Ruth Barrett is a Detroit native (“Motor City”) whose life and work reflect a rare blend of ministry, musical excellence, and professional leadership. She began singing in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) at the age of three and is known for a remarkable God-given vocal ability, including a five-octave range.

Ruth received formal music training through the Detroit Conservatory of Music and studied under the late Canadian-born soprano Corletta Frazell of Windsor, Ontario (associated with the University of Detroit). Her recorded projects include three albums: He Loves Me (Savoy Records), Blessed Assurance (SOG Records), and a revised independent release of He Loves Me (recorded in 2009 and released in 2010). Her first two projects were produced by the late Minister Thomas Whitfield of Detroit, Michigan.

Her career includes notable performance achievements such as serving as an alternate for the Chicago Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and performing the National Anthem for professional sports teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls. Ruth has also soloed at major venues in Detroit, including Ford Auditorium and the Fox Theatre. In addition to her musical work, she portrayed Coretta Scott King in the stage production Selma (written by the late Rev. Tommy Butler) and toured with the play across the eastern United States, including a stop at Tuskegee Institute.

One of her most memorable honors was the opportunity to solo at a COGIC convention attended by President William Clinton in Philadelphia, where he publicly praised her voice. Ruth continues to minister in song and has regularly served through solo performances at COGIC conventions and church gatherings.

Beyond the platform, Ruth brings deep professional experience. She holds a Juris Doctor with a focus on Ecclesiastical Law, has taught at the university level, and has served in senior leadership roles in education and government, including Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Omega School System in Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona, and Head Negotiator for the Cook County (Illinois) Highway Department. Her combined work across law and education spans more than 35 years.

Ruth is married to Rev. Dr. D. Kenneth Barrett and is the mother of adult children. She currently resides in the Chicago area and remains committed to strengthening the church through worship, excellence, and service.