Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/conversation-singer-ruthie-foster Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Story Singer Ruthie Foster has roots that hark back to gospel and funk.. She sang in her church back home in Texas and later on as part of a funk bank during a stint in the Navy. But her work is becoming increasingly known for her recordings and performances of blues and folk music.