"There was a time we decided that it was songs that were done especially from my background because of the things we were dealing with, but nowadays, anybody who has a need, and can find the need, they can sing the blues"

This quote by Ruth Brown speaks to the universality of the blues. It suggests that the blues is a genre of music that can be sung by anybody, no matter their background. Brown is saying that in the past, the blues was generally sung by individuals from her background, who were dealing with certain battles. Nevertheless, she is now recommending that anybody who is going through a hard time can sing the blues. This quote speaks with the power of music to bring people together, despite their distinctions. It also speaks to the power of the blues to supply convenience and solace to those who are having a hard time. Brown's quote is a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for recovery and connecting with others.