Singing the Standards, Ruth Still Swings at 97

I think the year was about 2006. Our karaoke group had been a convening on Tuesdays at the Culver City Senior Center for a couple of years, when a poised woman with a distinguished New York accent walked in and sat at a nearby table.

I had lost my mother in 2000, and this woman was a striking reminder of her. She had a sense of style about her, was an excellent listener, and loved the arts. My mother was also from New York.

I learned that her name was Ruth. She sat down, acting like she was at an expensive jazz club. We were thrilled.

As we sang the standards, her attention was keenly focused. I could see her mouthing the lyrics. I imagine our music probably transported her to an earlier time of her life when dreams were fertile and life was new.

As the weeks continued, we found out that Ruth had aspirations of being a singer, but the family’s financial constraints had thwarted her musical aspirations. It was only after her husband passed away that she finally became brave enough to entertain these dreams.

A few of us coaxed Ruth to finally get on stage, and do what she always wanted to do – become a singer. At first she was tentative, but then her true talents resurrected themselves and she began swinging to the standards, with proficiency and ease.

Soon, she was entertaining us weekly with her renditions of these tunes, always dressed smartly with enough poise to fill several rooms.

On Tuesday, she turns 97. Although we don’t see her as often, she can still belt out a tune, reminding me of my mother, with her New York bravado, style and grace.

Ruth is a special lady to many of us, and I champion her fortitude and willingness to finally pursue her dreams.

Happy Birthday Mama Ruth!