Ruth Olay

Ruth Olay (1924-1995) was an American jazz and blues singer known for her distinctive voice and emotional delivery. She was born in Brooklyn, New York. Olay possessed a smoky, intimate vocal style often compared to Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington, though she maintained a unique sound.

She began her career singing in nightclubs in the late 1940s and early 1950s, gaining a following in New York City. Olay recorded several albums during the 1950s and 1960s for labels such as Savoy, Cadence, and ABC-Paramount. Her notable recordings include "I Get a Kick Out of You," "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," and "My Funny Valentine."

While she achieved critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, Olay never reached mainstream commercial success. Despite this, she continued to perform and record sporadically throughout her career. Her work has been rediscovered and appreciated by new generations of listeners for its authenticity and emotional depth. She passed away in 1995 in Los Angeles, California.