Ruby Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruby Johnson
|
|
|---|---|
Cover of Ruby Johnson compilation album
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ruby Johnson |
| Born | April 19, 1936 Elizabeth City, North Carolina, United States |
| Died | July 4, 1999 (aged 63) Lanham, Maryland, United States |
| Genres | R&B, soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | c.1958–1974 |
| Labels | V-Tone, NEBS, Volt |
Ruby Johnson (born April 19, 1936 – died July 4, 1999) was an American soul singer. She was famous for the music she recorded in the late 1960s. Many of her songs were released on the Volt record label, which was part of Stax Records.
Contents
Ruby Johnson's Early Life
Ruby Johnson was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. She grew up in the Jewish faith. Ruby sang in the Temple Beth-El choir with her eight brothers and sisters.
After finishing high school, she moved to Virginia Beach. There, she worked as a waitress. She also started singing rhythm and blues music with local bands. For two years, she sang with a group called Samuel Latham and the Rhythm Makers.
Moving to Washington, D.C.
In the late 1950s, Ruby moved to Washington, D.C. She joined a band called Ambrose and the Showstoppers. This band was the main group at a nightclub called the Spa.
A local businessman, Never Duncan Jnr., became her manager. He helped her work with record producer Dicky Williams. Her first song, "Calling All Boys," came out in 1960. It was released on the V-Tone label.
Later, her manager, Never Duncan Jnr., started his own record company called NEBS. Ruby released many songs on NEBS. These included "Here I Go Again," "Worried Mind," and "Nobody Cares." Some of these songs became popular in the local area.
Singing with Stax Records
In 1965, a disc jockey named Al Bell started working for Stax Records in Memphis. He had supported Ruby's music locally. Al Bell helped Ruby get a contract with Stax Records.
At Stax, Ruby recorded some classic soul songs. She worked with a talented team of writers and producers, Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The backing musicians were also very famous. They included Steve Cropper, "Duck" Dunn, and Al Jackson.
Her songs were released on Volt, a label owned by Stax. One of her songs, "I'll Run Your Hurt Away," became a hit in 1966. It reached number 31 on the Billboard R&B chart. Another popular song was "If I Ever Needed Love." Both of these songs are still enjoyed today on soul music collections.
Later Life and Career
Even though her songs were very good, they did not become huge hits. After singing in clubs for a few more years, Ruby stopped her music career in 1974.
She then worked in government jobs. Eventually, she became the director of Foster Grandparents. This was a federal program that helped children with disabilities connect with older people. Ruby also returned to her faith and sang at the Temple Beth-El near her home in Lanham, Maryland.
In 1993, a special CD was released. It included many of Ruby's songs that had never been heard before. Ruby Johnson passed away in 1999 at the age of 63.
Ruby Johnson's Music
Singles
- 1961 "Callin' All Boys" / "Pleadin' Heart" – V-TONE 222
- 1963 "I Received Your Message" / "Stop Wasting Your Tears" – Pledge 108
- 1964 "Worried Mind" / "I'm Hooked" – NEBS 502
- 1964 "What Goes Up Must Come Down" / "I Want A Real Man" – NEBS 503
- 1965 "Let Me Apologise" / "Don't Start Nothing" – NEBS 101
- 1965 "Here I Go Again" / "Jerk Shout" – NEBS 501
- 1966 "I'll Run Your Hurt Away" / "Weak Spot" – Volt 133
- 1966 "Come To Me My Darling" / "When My Love Comes Down" – Volt 140
- 1967 "Reach Out and Touch Me" / "Come Back To Me" – NEBS 508
- 1967 "If I Ever Needed Love (I Sure Do Need It Now)" / "Keep On Keeping On" – Volt 147
- 1968 "I've Been Hurt (So Many Times)" / "Through Dealing" – NEBS 509
- 1968 "Why You Want To Leave Me" / "I Can't Do It" – NEBS 511
- 1969 "Nobody Care" / "Why Do You Want To Leave Me" – NEBS 600
Albums
- I'll Run Your Hurt Away, Stax, 1993
