Ruby Elzy

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.