"Remembering Willie Ruff: A Jazz Icon's Legacy" REST IN PEACE

Welcome back to my channel! Today, I bring you the sad news about the passing of Willie Ruff, an American jazz musician and music scholar. Willie Henry Ruff Jr. was born on September 1, 1931, in Sheffield, Alabama. Throughout his remarkable career, Ruff specialized in playing the French horn and double bass. He was widely recognized for his exceptional talent and unmatched expertise, particularly during his time as a Yale professor from 1971 to 2017. Willie Ruff's musical journey began when he discovered his passion for the French horn after serving in the Army. Inspired by meeting W.C. Handy, a legendary musician, during his second grade, Ruff's dedication to music only grew stronger. He attended the prestigious Yale School of Music, where he completed his undergraduate and graduate studies. Ruff's impact on the music industry extended beyond his instrumental skills. He was a respected music scholar and educator who shared his knowledge and passion with countless students throughout his 46 years of teaching at Yale. Even after retiring in 2017, Ruff continued to inspire and uplift aspiring musicians. Tragically, Willie Ruff passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, at the age of 92 in Killen, Alabama. His contribution to music, both as a performer and a scholar, will forever be cherished. The Shoals community, in particular, mourns the loss of this local legend who co-founded the W.C. Handy Music Festival. Notably, Ruff's accomplishments extended beyond his performances and teaching. He uncovered fascinating connections between black gospel music and traditional Scottish psalm singing. Ruff believed that the Scottish Presbyterian practice of lining out influenced the call and response form found in black gospel music. His work in this area inspired the creation of the documentary "A Conjoining of Ancient Song" and was featured in Sterlin Harjo's film "This May Be the Last Time." In addition, Ruff was an accomplished author, with works celebrating classical composer Paul Hindemith, his experiences with Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, and his own memoir titled "A Call to Assembly: The Autobiography of a Musical Storyteller." Willie Ruff's impact transcended his musical accomplishments. He was recognized with honors such as induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Sanford Medal from Yale University's School of Music. Ruff's teachings and performances, often alongside his musical partner Dwike Mitchell, were celebrated for their free-flowing jam sessions and their ability to capture the essence of American Improvisational Music. The Mitchell-Ruff Duo, which lasted over 50 years, played alongside legendary artists like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie. Together, they became the first jazz band to perform in the Soviet Union and China. Ruff's legacy will forever be remembered, not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his unwavering dedication to education and musical storytelling. Join us as we honor the life and legacy of this jazz icon, Willie Ruff.