Uncrowned Community Builders

Betty Gladden was the mother of soul music star Rick James. She was born in Cleveland Ohio. Her maiden name was Betty Sims and she was the granddaughter of a slave. She was a widow who raised 8 children. She would work three jobs to provide a living for her children. She was able to send one of her sons to Georgetown University.

Mrs. Gladden was a cousin of Carl Stokes the first black mayor of a major US city; Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Gladden owned a restaurant at Ferry and Jefferson Streets, in Buffalo, NY known as "You and I" named after her son's first hit song. She was entertained by stars like Diana Ross and Eddie Murphy. She worked for her son's music company, Mary Jane Productions.

Mrs. Gladden was 73 years of age at the time of her death on September 2, 1991. She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.