With an intense passion for writing poetry combined with an undeniable talent to woo others with her voice, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter RUTH (originally Ruth-Ann Brown) launched a career on the Reggae music scene in late 2005.

Unlike many other artistes, RUTH did not grow up listening to Reggae music, neither were her parents involved in music in any way, except for her father who played the guitar, piano and harmo...

With an intense passion for writing poetry combined with an undeniable talent to woo others with her voice, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter RUTH (originally Ruth-Ann Brown) launched a career on the Reggae music scene in late 2005.

Unlike many other artistes, RUTH did not grow up listening to Reggae music, neither were her parents involved in music in any way, except for her father who played the guitar, piano and harmonica leisurely. One would wonder where she learned to write Reggae rhythms when the only background she had in music was singing on the church choir.

Brought up in a strict Christian household, RUTH only heard "secular" music as she passed by shops and bars in the vicinity of her home. This was the kind of music she gravitated towards. She was always singing at home while doing chores, and she was known around the community for performing at church crusades, weddings and funerals; at school, she was known as a poet who preferred to write several poems each day than to eat lunch or play. Her friends encouraged her to take singing seriously but she did not take this advice until 2005 when she recorded her first single, "As It Is" on the Di-Mon Cut label. This song, about a triangular affair, received tremendous airplay on various radio stations in Jamaica.

Her voice has been described as smoky, strong, soulful and melodic while her lyrics are compelling, straightforward and unusual, "hitting the nail on the head" and reaching out to a wide audience whose members can relate to the concepts she highlights.

A sentimentalist who finds meaning in every thing, RUTH enjoys writing about personal experiences relating to love, family life, social issues, injustices, among other timeless topics. RUTH's main musical influences include Sade, Sinead O'Connor, Tanya Stephens, Sizzla Kalonji and the Marley family. Of course, she has yet to perform alongside these icons. Her music, however, has been featured on various Jamaican radio stations including IRIE FM, RJR, and ZIP 103 and she has been interviewed on CTV and HYPE TV.

Though she has performed on stages across the island, her best performance to date has been opening for Jamaican Reggae singer, Freddie McGregor. After signing to independent label Bran-Nu Entertainment, RUTH began working on her debut album, which features her first two singles on the label, "Unfamiliar Feelings" and "Chillin with my Baby". The not yet titled album, which is a collection of personal experiences about relationships, issues related to migration, work, and life in general is scheduled to be released.