(December 16, 2019) We are very sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of noted New York singer, Ruby Collins, after a long battle with cancer. She was 51.
Born in 1968, The Brooklyn, New York singer lived a “double life,” one as a soulful singer making her mark, and the other as a officer in the New York City Police Department.
First hitting the public eye via an appearance on Showtime At The Apollo, Collins had aspirations for a career in music. However, in 1993 her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and Ruby joined the New York City Police Department as a means to help support the family financially. Somehow, she was able to combine the two careers, representing the police department when singing the national anthem at professional basketball games, and ultimately at the White House, where she represented police officers around the country in a performance for President Bill Clinton.
Ruby appeared on talk shows and became an opening act for classic soul group Blue Magic. She also released a Christmas album in 2005 and the popular In My Dreams album in 2008, an amalgam of soul, jazz and gospel. Ruby had a sizeable following on YouTube, where she not only performed songs, but also waxed about life. She will be missed.
By Chris Rizik
