Interview: Ruby Turner

3:10pm Friday 15th August 2008

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RUBY Turner is hard to pigeonhole.

The soul singer and actress has performed with the likes of Bryan Ferry, UB40, Jools Holland and Mick Jagger, written songs that have been covered by Lulu, Yazz and Maxi Priest and even had a part in the movie Love Actually.

Now she’s coming to Colne for the Great British R&B Festival.

“I'm just finishing off a summer tour with Jools Holland and then I'm packing my bags for Colne,” said Ruby.

“It’s all go go go, and it’s a juggling act, but if you can do it it’s great fun.”

Ruby Turner was born in Jamaica and moved to Birmingham aged nine. Her major break came in the mid 1980s, when she joined Culture Club.

“I’ve worked with lots of great musicians, none better than the others. They all help to build you into the performer you are. We’re always still learning,” said Ruby.

“My experience with Mick Jagger was great and working with Brian Ferry was such an honour, but touring with Culture Club was unlike anything else. I’d toured with my own band before I joined them but I’d never experienced anything on that level. I’m just glad I’m still here to tell the tale.”

After Culture Club, Ruby signed a solo recording contract with Jive Records and her first album, Women Hold Up Half The Sky, was released in 1986, to critical acclaim.

Other hits released over the next few years included If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me), I’d Rather Go Blind, and she also had a US R&B chart number 1 hit single It’s Gonna Be Alright — one of fewer than 10 British-made records to achieve this.

At this time Ruby also released her hit album The Motown Songbook, on which she performed with stars including The Four Tops, The Temptations and Jimmy Ruffin.

Ruby says she still makes sure she finds the time to listen to new music.

“I still drive with the radio on,” she said. “I recently bought the new Adele and Alicia Keys albums. I love music of all genres and I’m always listening to new artists from Classic FM to gospel music.”

l Ruby Turner will play the International Stage at The Great British R&B Festival, Colne, on Sunday, August 24, 9.15pm.