Milton Ruffin & Friends: Soul Sunday

Soul Sunday, 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.

Milton is the principal and director of the Ft. Hayes Metropolitan Education Center. Under his leadership Fort Hayes has been designated as a “School of Promise” by the State of Ohio for six consecutive years, and also identified as one of the “Top 100 High Schools in America” for 5 consecutive years by US News and World Report.  Fort Hayes High School and Dr. Milton Ruffin was chosen by President Obama to introduce to the world his Jobs Act. 

Milton co-produced the debut CD for the New Salem Mass Choir “We Win”. He also recently produced New Salem’s sophomore project, “Sweet Aroma”. Milton has produced and co-written with his daughter Nia Allen, several songs including a recent release on “Pure Worship” presented by multi Grammy award winner Ce Ce Winans. Dr. Ruffin has released a solo project (2011) entitled the “Bassic Principal” that received very positive reviews as well. Dr. Ruffin was the composer for the Columbus 200 Celebration Anthem for the city of Columbus Ohio.

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–our kitchen will be closing at 9pm for this event.