Ruby Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruby Turner
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Turner performing live at GuilFest in 2012
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| Background information | |
| Born | 22 June 1958 Montego Bay, Jamaica |
| Origin | Birmingham, England |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1983–present |
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Ruby Turner, also known as Francella Ruby Turner, is a talented British-Jamaican singer, songwriter, and actress. She is famous for her R&B and soul music. Ruby has been making music for over 40 years. She is well-known for her albums and singles released in Europe and North America.
Ruby has also sung backing vocals for many famous artists. These include Bryan Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood, and Mick Jagger. She has also written songs for other musicians like Lulu and Maxi Priest. In 1990, Ruby achieved something special. Her song "It's Gonna Be Alright" reached number one on the US R&B chart. This was a rare achievement for a British singer. She has also had eight singles appear in the UK Singles Chart. Her song "I'd Rather Go Blind" was her most successful UK hit. Ruby is a regular guest on BBC Television's Jools' Annual Hootenanny. She performs there every year and often tours with Jools Holland and his band. Besides music, Ruby has also acted in plays, movies, and TV shows.
Contents
About Ruby Turner
Her Early Life
Ruby Turner was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on June 22, 1958. When she was nine years old, in 1967, her family moved to Birmingham, England. Ruby grew up in a musical family. Her grandfather was the lead singer in a gospel group in Jamaica. In the early 1980s, she worked with the popular band Culture Club. Soon after, she was offered a solo recording contract. She then signed with Jive Records.
Her Music Journey
Ruby got her solo record deal after singing backing vocals for Culture Club's album From Luxury to Heartache. She released several albums over the next few years. Her first solo album, Women Hold Up Half the Sky, came out in 1986. It was praised by critics. This album included hit songs like "If You're Ready (Come Go with Me)", a duet with Jonathan Butler. It also featured her cover of the classic song "I'd Rather Go Blind".
In 1987, Ruby sang on the charity single "Let It Be" for Ferry Aid. She also released an album called The Motown Songbook. On this album, she sang with famous Motown artists. These included The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Jimmy Ruffin. In 1990, Ruby's song "It's Gonna Be Alright" became a number one hit in the US R&B chart. This made her one of the few British artists to achieve this. She had four more songs enter the US R&B chart in 1990 and 1991.
In 1998, Ruby recorded the album Call Me by My Name. She worked with British rhythm and blues musicians on this project. On New Year's Eve 1999, she sang the National Anthem. She performed for Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of the Millennium Dome in London. Ruby sang backing vocals on Mick Jagger's 2001 album. She also performed on Jools Holland's album in 2002. In 2007, Ruby hosted a documentary for BBC Radio 2. It was about the gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. In 2009, Ruby released her first gospel music album, I'm Travelling On. She received a special award in 2009 for her amazing contribution to music.
Ruby performed at the Diamond Jubilee Concert in London in 2012. This concert celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. She joined Jools Holland on stage for this event. In 2022, Ruby performed at the Platinum Party at the Palace concert. This celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years as monarch. She sang "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" with Mica Paris and Nicola Roberts. Ruby was also awarded an MBE in 2016. This honor was for her services to music.
Her Acting Roles
Ruby Turner is also an actress. She has appeared in many stage plays. These include A Streetcar Named Desire, Carmen Jones, and Fame. She also performed in the musical Simply Heavenly in London's West End. This show was nominated for an award in 2005.
Ruby has acted in several movies. These include Love Actually (2003) and Famous Fred (1996). In 2006, she appeared in the TV show Little Britain Abroad. She played the character Sheriff Judy. In 2007, she was a guest star on the BBC One soap opera Doctors. She also appeared in the BBC drama Hotel Babylon in 2009. In 2011, Ruby narrated a documentary about British reggae music. In 2012, she was a judge on the BBC Two series The Choir: Sing While You Work. She was also a guest judge on the BBC Songs of Praise gospel choir competition in 2013. In 2015, she appeared in the TV movie The Land of Sometimes.
Ruby's Personal Life
Ruby Turner has been engaged twice. However, she has never married. She has shared that marriage has not been a priority for her. She feels that she doesn't need to have a man in her life to be happy. Ruby's parents are separated. Her father lives in the US. Her mother, Violetta, lives close to Ruby. Her mother even sang on Ruby's 2009 album, I'm Travelling On.
Discography
Ruby Turner has released many albums and singles throughout her career. Some of her notable albums include Women Hold Up Half the Sky, The Motown Songbook, and Paradise. She has also released live albums and gospel music. Her singles have charted in the UK, New Zealand, and the US R&B charts. Her most famous single is "It's Gonna Be Alright", which topped the US R&B chart. Other popular singles include "If You're Ready (Come Go with Me)" and "I'd Rather Go Blind". She has also collaborated on singles with other artists.
