Ruby Wilson, known to everyone as the Queen of Beale Street, has passed away. This comes after she suffered a recent heart attack, and a stroke before that. She had been in and out of the hospital with ongoing medical issues, including diabetes. Wilson passed away Friday.
Wilson has performed around the world, but would often hold court at B.B. King’s on Beale Street. She has recorded or appeared on more than a dozen albums, and performed with many legends of the music business, such as B.B. King himself, Ray Charles, Robert Goulet, The Four Tops, Willie Nelson, and Isaac Hayes.
Wilson appeared in several movies over the years, including Craig Brewer’s Black Snake Moan, Cookie’s Fortune, The People Vs. Larry Flynt, and John Grisham hits, The Chamber, The Client, and The Firm.
Ruby Wilson was born in 1948 in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas. She was the youngest in a family of four brothers and one sister. She told reporters that she spent the days picking cotton. According to the Memphis Blues Society, Wilson moved to Memphis in the 1970s, and began a recording career.
Ruby Wilson performed on Beale Street for nearly a half-century. She lived 68 years.
Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen of Memphis released the following statement on Wilson’s death:
“I am saddened by the death of my friend Ruby Wilson,” said Congressman Cohen. “Ruby was a sweetheart of a human being. She was always smiling, upbeat and caring for others in addition to being a fabulous talent who sang of, for and about Memphis. She had a phenomenal life. Ruby brought joy to people’s hearts all over the world and was a legend in her hometown. She was truly the queen of the Blues, Beale Street and Memphis.”
Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. sent this statement:
“Memphis has lost a great entertainer. Ruby Wilson will always be remembered as the ‘Queen of Beale Street.’ She did much to promote the Memphis music industry and was a dear friend of mine and so many in our community. We at Shelby County Government mourn her passing and are keeping her family in our prayers.”
