Alice Ann "Tan" Ridley-Sidibe

Obituary for Alice Ann Ridley-Sidibe "TAN"
Born:
Alice Ann Ridley affectionately known as "Tan" was born December 21, 1952 in Charles Junction, Georgia (Lumpkin) to Melton Lee (Rayfield) and Lessie B. Ridley as the seventh child of eight children.
Died:
She passed from this earthly life on Tuesday, March 25th 2025, in New York City. Surrounded by her family.
Predeceased- Loving parents and siblings: Ayre Lou Owens (sister), Melton Lee (Roger) Ridley (brother) Jr., Mary Cunningham (sister) and Dorothy Pitman-Hughes (sister). Her surviving siblings are sisters, Julia VanMater-Miller, Mildred Dent and brothers, Tommy Lee "Tom-Tom" Cherry, and James D. "Jimmy" Ridley.
Life:
She married, Ex husband, turned Close Friend, Ibnou Sidibe in 1980 and had two beautiful children. Although she and Ibnou divorced, they remained friends and Ibnou still attended the Ridley family functions
Family:
Son- Ahmed Sidibe
Daughter- Gabourey Sidibe and husband (Brandon), twin grandchildren- Cooper and Maya.
Siblings/Family- "Tan" will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, her infectious smile, and her tireless dedication to her remaining siblings and her children. Also, leaving to mourn are her devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. "Tan" will be missed by all of us, and we are thankful that God allowed her to visit our lives.
Education:
Graduated from Stewart County High School, Class of 1969.
Obtained her teaching license from the New York State Board of Education.
Career:
Taught at her sister, Dorothy Pitman-Hughes', West Side Community Alliance Center as well as at PS 134 after she received her teaching license. She will be remembered for inspiring countless young minds with patience, kindness and a passion for learning, leaving a lasting impression on her students.
"Tan" left teaching in the early 90's to pursue her first love, music. She joined Music Under New York, singing for commuters in high traffic subway stations such as Time Square, Grand Central Station and Columbus Circle. Her voice was her gift to New Yorkers,becoming the soundtrack to the hustle and bustle. Bringing soul to the city, her voice drew in large crowds who would stand for hours listening to her sing Motown hits, reminding us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected of places. The attention garnered her several spotlights including an article in The New York Times, as well as in film and in television.
Tan" was a pillar of the New York City singing circuit above ground as well. She sang at various venues, including clubs and concert halls and was the featured Gospel Brunch singer at Harlem's famed Cotton Club for many years.
"Tan" felt most at home singing with her family members. She collaborated with them on the Ridley Family Tree album and in the subway, her brother Roger was his little sister's biggest fan, who encouraged her to begin her career with Music Under New York.
A dynamic and versatile performer, "Tan" has toured the world, captivating audiences across Africa, Europe, South America and Asia, with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. As an artist she crossed genres, collaborating with legendary jazz musicians, groundbreaking pop stars and chart topping hip hop acts. From performing with the Cab Calloway Orchestra, to starring in Eltons Johns video for Answer In The Sky and her most successful music venture, collaboration with rapper Flo Rida on the hook of his hit song Good Feeling.
"Tan" has a plethora of awards, recognition and wins for her God-given talent. She graced our big and little screens numerous times. She was a contestant at Showtime at the Apollo (2005). She was featured in David LaChappell's award-winning documentary, "Rize" (2005). "Tan " was the winner on the first episode of 30 Seconds to Fame (2002). She won an Emmy for her part in Military Families (2007). She was featured in an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show (2009) and is most known for her turn on America's Got Talent as a top 12 contestants (season 5- 2010); After years of singing covers, she released her debut studio album, " Never Lost My Way" (2016) and was featured in an article in the New York Times about her then- upcoming performance at the Highline Ballroom in New York City and a day in the subway station with Tan.