“This style of music has held its position in the industry for the longest time. I truly believe without rhythm and blues /Soul music even Jazz, that’s influence the sounds you hear today! Who knows what we’d be listening to now. It would be a very different world. Musicians still borrow from the blues to colour their sounds and groove. That’s why that music continues to influence inspire and will live on.”

Ruby Turner: The Lady of British Soul

Ruby Turner was born in Jamaica and grew up in Montego Bay. Her grandfather sang the lead in one of the island's gospel groups. Moving to England when she was 9, ruby has lived here ever since. Her career to date has always had many unexpected twists and turns with major tours, theatre and TV appearances, and touring with Jools Holland, the future continues to look positive. Her major break came in the mid 1980's, when she was asked to join 'Culture Club’ at the height of their stardom. Ruby very quickly learned how to deal with the routine of gruelling tour schedules, living out of a suit case and performing to vast sell-out audiences. An offer of a solo record deal closely followed and she soon signed to jive records, part of the Zomba Group. Four albums and a "Best of" compilation album were all released to critical acclaim over the next few years making Ruby a household name this period went on to spawn the hits 'I'd Rather Go Blind', 'If you're Ready (come go with me)’ and in the American R’n’B chart, the number 1 hit single 'It’s Gonna be Alright ' - one of less than ten British records to achieve this!

(Photo: Ruby Turner)

It was at this time that she also released her hit album 'The Motown Songbook' on which she performed with some of the truly great stars of that era - the Four Tops, the Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin etc. To date, Ruby has released 17 albums plus the BBC's 'Live from Glastonbury', as well as appearing on releases by the likes of Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood and Mick Jagger. She is also one of the main singers in jools Holland's R&B Orchestra, and features on many tracks on his albums. Ruby Turner's latest single release is titled “Love Down the Line” (2026). 

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

I believe Gospel music has had a very big influence on my work  and how I want  hear and make music. It’s helped to keep me motivated in my performances  and songwriting... My need for positive messages in music I always find in the gospel genre.  It’s a place I go when the worlds gets too much. 

What keeps a musician passionate after four decades in Soul, Blues, Reggae music? How do you want your music/performance to affect people?

I still enjoy and have the most wonderful time performing in front of a crowd. People who are prepared to pay to watch you sing it’s very humbling. There’s a great connection and shared experience and in that moment is second to none. How can we not appreciate it and be thankful for the joys of music. 

Why do you think that the British Rhythm & Blues and Soul music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following, since 1960s?

This style of music has held its position in the industry for the longest time. I truly believe without rhythm and blues/Soul music even Jazz, that’s influence the sounds you hear today! Who knows what we’d be listening to now. It would be a very different world. Musicians still borrow from the blues to colour their sounds and groove. That’s why that music continues to influence inspire and will live on.

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

There has  been many highlights on  my music journey. Wonderful experiences I would have never afforded had it not been for music. Places and spaces I’ve played all over the world, sharing the stage with some great people. It’s hard to say! But venues like Madison Square Gardens with the band Culture Club in the early 80’s… The Sydney Opera House with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and blues orchestra… The Blue Note Club New York  with Jools Holland as his guest artist… The Royal Albert Hall …Ronnie Scott’s Soho London … The Paradiso Amsterdam… to name just a few ... Wonderful venues  amazing experiences. 

“As a woman in music you have to be serious about who you are and where you want  your career to go. Making sure things are done with your consent how the moneys spent and not done on your behalf without your knowledge.” (Photo: Ruby Turner)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I don’t really miss the music of the past because we have access to most of it with today technology. So many of those old track have been regenerated and now  available on the Web. That’s one marvellous thing about today’s technological world. But what I dread most! Is AI! ...where’s it going? Where does it stop? Are we as working recording artists about to be replaced by what seems to be near perfect playing and pristine vocals! That’s something we all should be concerned about. 

What are the lines that connect the Caribbean (especial Jamaican) music with Black American Roots music?

I remember as a child growing up in Jamaica seeing my father dancing around the radio Gramm to American music on the airwaves. Harry Belafonte, Frank Sinatra, Pat Boone, etc really had an impact on Jamaicas..It wasn’t long before we were cutting our versions of those songs... and exporting our singers Mille Small, The Wailers, Ken Booth …Desmond Decker …and more… Jamaica was an island that love! Still love and thrived on music. And as you know one of our greatest export Bob Marley ... Jamaicas contribution to the world of music. 

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? What is the role of a music/musicians in today’s society?

Today’s musician are now free to put out their own music. I created my own record label back in the early naughties. I felt quite liberated and empowered the constrained to sit and wait to be signed to have your music promoted! Radio play to be heard ... Social media came at the right time for many. And a great deal of artists have done well and very satisfied about being in charge of their own careers. Having full control to be independent to succeed or fail …but on their terms! You become master of your own destiny thanks to this new social media culture ...  

What is the status of women in music? What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

As a woman in music you have to be serious about who you are and where you want  your career to go. Making sure things are done with your consent how the moneys spent and not done on your behalf without your knowledge. Know what you’re signing up for! Know the business and what’s at stake. Be you! Feed your creative soul and be prepared to stand up or walk away should there be disrespect. Your contribution to your art and what you stand for as a person matters don’t lose sight of that. Integrity must and will be your strength. Most importantly ... Make sure you name is on that songwriting credit …!

Ruby Turner - Home

(Photo: Ruby Turner)