Some people may think that wasn't appropriate for me to have made a joke on an Obit thread. But I believe that Ruth Brown may be smiling, since she shares the same tradition as me of folks celebrating a person passing on by gathering, reminiscing about the good times they shared-sharing those stories & songs with others.

Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Ruth Brown except through print and this video, perhaps the woman in this next video did meet her. Hopefully, Ruth Brown [and her family] will accept this next song as a tribute to her memory and the work she did on behalf of other recording artists:

Lavern Baker - Substitute

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi2hOU46MRo

Added November 12, 2006; From DooWopMan {who adds extensive info regarding Lavern Baker]

Also notice the floating verse from a spiritual in the lyrics "One of these days/it won't be long/look for me and I'll be gone".