THE SHOALS-The Shoals lost a legend this week when Dr. Willie Ruff passed away on December 24, 2023. Our sincere sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his dedication to music education and love for the Shoals community. While W.C. Handy was “Father of the Blues,” The W.C. Handy Festival in his honor was created from a friendship that lasted over 40 years between Dr. David Mussleman and Dr. Willie Ruff, making them the co-founders of the Handy Festival. Dr. Ruff was inducted into the Walk of Honor in 2022 to recognize his national accomplishments.
DR. WILLIE H. RUFF, III
In 1947, Dr. Willie H. Ruff, III, was selected for the All-Black 766th Air Force Band, playing at every Air Force Base in the U.S. As a Professor of Music at Yale University from 1971-2017, his teaching inspired students from across the globe.
Bio Summary:
Willie Ruff was born in 1931. Raised in Sheffield, Willie often spent time at his uncle’s home in Killen, where he later constructed his present home in 1974. He joined the Army at 14 and served in the All-Black 766th Air Force Band. Tuskegee Airmen flew the band to every Air Force Base in the United States. Willie entered Yale University at age 17, earning his B.S. and M.S. degrees in music. While at Yale, he learned Russian, Chinese, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese languages.
During 1953-1971, Willie and Dwike Mitchell performed, taught, and inspired teenagers and young adults in Russia, China, France, Italy, Germany, Brazil, and the United States with their expertise in jazz music. Later, he became a Yale professor of music and was awarded a Yale University Doctor of Music award in 2018. Dr. Willie Ruff has been an active Lauderdale County citizen since 2017.
From the Balcony to the Stage. An Interview with Willie Ruff at the Ritz Theatre in Sheffield, AL.
Media Release/City of Florence
