Ruby Turner: The Soul and R&B Powerhouse

Ruby Turner is a British Jamaican vocalist renowned for her powerful, gospel-infused soul and R&B performances. Hailing from Montego Bay, Jamaica, and raised in Birmingham, England, she has built a formidable career spanning several decades, marked by acclaimed albums and a legendary reputation as a live performer.

Early Career

Ruby Turner's musical journey began in the church, where she first honed her formidable voice. After moving to England, she started her professional career as a backing vocalist, lending her talents to artists like Culture Club, Bryan Ferry, and Steve Winwood throughout the 1980s, which provided a crucial foundation in the industry.

Breakthrough

Turner's solo breakthrough came with her 1986 debut album, Women Hold Up Half the Sky, released on the Jive Records label. This established her as a solo artist in her own right, blending contemporary R&B with deep soul roots. Her follow-up work and consistent touring solidified her status as a mainstay of the British soul scene.

Key Tracks

If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) - This 1986 single became her signature hit, showcasing her vocal power and becoming a staple on soul radio.

I'm in Love - A track highlighting her ability to deliver both uplifting dance-floor soul and heartfelt balladry.

Stay With Me Baby - A performance that exemplifies her gospel influences and raw emotional delivery, often a highlight of her live sets.

Beyond her solo work, Ruby Turner is celebrated for her long-standing association with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, a collaboration that has introduced her soul and R&B sound to vast mainstream audiences through television and extensive touring. Her voice, both on record and in person, remains a defining instrument in UK soul music.

Artists with a similar blend of soulful power and British R&B flair include Beverley Knight, another celebrated vocalist known for her gospel-rooted soul performances. The sound of Mica Paris shares a similar heritage in classic and contemporary soul. For the jazzy, vibrant side of British soul, explore Incognito.