Alice Tan Ridley, whose soulful voice echoed through New York City’s subways for decades, passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 72. Known for her unexpected rise to fame after competing on America’s Got Talent, Ridley spent most of her life singing for tips in subway stations, sharing her passion for music with commuters and tourists alike. The mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, Ridley’s journey from the underground to international stages was as inspiring as it was unique.
Born Alice Ann Ridley in Lumpkin, Georgia, on December 21, 1952, music was in her blood. Raised in a large family with a deep love for singing and playing instruments, Ridley followed in the footsteps of her mother, Lessie, who wrote songs and had her children perform. After relocating to New York in the early 1970s, Ridley initially worked as a nursery teacher and then as a teacher’s aide, but her heart was always set on music. By the mid-1980s, she was belting out tunes in the subway, making a modest living but finding immense fulfillment in connecting with the people who stopped to listen.
Her subway performances were never about begging or panhandling; as she famously told Good Morning America, “We are not beggars… We are not under drug influence.” Busking was a way for Ridley to share her music and uplift the spirits of New Yorkers and tourists alike. She often referred to the subway as her “club,” where the walls echoed with the sounds of her powerful voice, filling the space with energy and joy.
Despite her success underground, Ridley’s breakthrough came in 2010 when she auditioned for America’s Got Talent. At the age of 57, she wowed the judges with her rendition of Etta James’ “At Last,” earning praise for her raw talent and emotional depth. Although she didn’t win, her appearance on the show marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career. She toured worldwide, sharing her gift with audiences far beyond New York, before returning to the subway in 2014, where she felt most at home.
Ridley’s personal life was equally rich and full of love. She married Ibnou Sidibe, a cab driver, in the early 1980s, and together they had two children: Gabourey and Ahmed Sidibe. Gabourey Sidibe would go on to achieve fame as an actress, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in the 2009 film Precious, a project that Ridley played a key role in launching. Though Ridley was approached to play the part of the mother, she knew it would be too difficult and instead encouraged her daughter to audition, leading to Gabourey’s career-defining role.
In addition to her musical legacy, Ridley’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Whether on stage or in the subway, she brought joy and inspiration to countless people, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the music world. Her passing marks the end of an era, but the echoes of her powerful voice will continue to resonate with those who had the privilege of hearing her sing.
