Ruby Elzy(1908-1943)
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Ruby Elzy was a pioneer black opera singer who appeared on stage, radio
and film. A native of Mississippi, Elzy created the role of Serena in
George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" on Broadway in 1935. She made her
film debut opposite Paul Robeson in 1933's "The Emperor Jones" while
still a student at New York's Juilliard School. Her most prominent
screen moment came in 1941's "Birth of the Blues," starring Bing
Crosby, when she sang "St. Louis Blues." She had just completed the
1943 tour of "Porgy and Bess" when she died following an operation for
what was thought to be a minor condition. She was married twice; her
second husband was actor Jack Carr, who appeared on stage with her in
"Porgy and Bess" and who also appeared in a number of
films.
