Milton Ruffin: Soul Sunday

The Soul Sunday series, hosted by Debra James Tucker, continues with the dynamic Milton Ruffin and Friends! Born into a talented family, notably his cousin, the late David Ruffin of the Temptations, Milton was exposed to music in church by his parents and his grandmother who was a pastor. As a bassist, Ruffin has performed with such greats as Lou Rawls, Eric Gale, Rusty Bryant, George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic, Cameo, Rick James, Kenny Eldridge and the Jesus Celebration Mass Choir and many others. In 1993, Ruffin toured Europe with Keith Dobbins and the Resurrection Mass Choir. In addition, he was the guest vocalist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in their tribute to the legendary Ray Charles. 

Dr. Ruffin holds a BA in Jazz Studies, a BA in Music Education, a MA in Music Education and a Ph.D. in Music Education from The Ohio State University. His musical gifts are manifold and as director/composer, he has a tremendous background to call upon.

Ruffin has many awards and professional accomplishments to his credit, including “Who’s Who” of Black Columbus, the African American Legacy award of 2011, The Blue Chip Award, the New Salem Man of the Year, recipient of the Sharlene  Morgan Educator Award, the recipient of the Ingram Principal Award, guest of 7 episodes of the nationally televised show  “The Piano Guy”, the composer of the finale for the National Educators Association gala in Washington D.C..

The unique sound of vocalist Debra James Tucker is a product of extensive training in jazz, classical and gospel music. Her new album is “Voices”, which continues her exploration of early black church forms in contemporary contexts. She is the writer/performer of the one woman show Survival of the Boulevard Singer-winner of an Ohio Arts Council Award for Individual Excellence, has been a visiting instructor at Denison University in the history of African American Gospel Music, and an artist in residence with several youth arts organizations.

Food & Bar: Our full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.