The Recording Academy Statement Re: Ruby Dee

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ The Recording Academy) GRAMMY® winner Ruby Dee was a true renaissance woman — a stage and screen actress, author, activist, playwright, poet and trailblazer. A highly accomplished artist with a career that spanned seven decades, she helped break color boundaries within the entertainment industry, landing prominent roles on Broadway, television and film. Her performances were powerful and commanding, influencing generations of fellow artists, and it was that passion and commitment that made her a formidable force in fighting for civil rights. As an eloquent writer, Dee penned poems, films and books — including a memoir with her long-time husband, Ossie Davis, which garnered the pair a GRAMMY for Best Spoken Word Album. We have lost a gifted, cherished, and inspiring member of our creative community, and our sincerest condolences go out to her family, friends and all who have been transformed by her remarkable work.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy