Singer Ruby Andrews was born Ruby Stackhouse in Hollandale, Mississippi in 1947 and moved to Chicago, age five. Like so many, she honed her singing talents in the church and High School talent contests rubbing shoulders with friend and future superstar Minnie Riperton. After joining a group called the Vondells – and a stint as a nightclub dancer – she went solo and recorded her debut 45 for Kellmac Records in 1965 (The Kellmac Story CHARLY718LP). A slightly latinised soul sound, it was a great entry into the music business and opened the doors for her at Zodiac Records where changed her name to Andrews. During her stay at Zodiac Ruby recorded 16 singles and two outstanding albums, the lost soul masterpiece Everybody Saw You (CHARLY644LP) in 1970 and our special feature Black Ruby in 1972. Her first hit came in 1967 (#9 R&B), ‘Casonova (Your Playing Days Are Over)’, her biggest seller. An updated version, ‘Casonova 70’ appears on her debut album Everybody Saw You. Black Ruby includes the hits ‘The Love I Need’ (#48 R&B), ‘You Made A Believer (Out Of Me)’ (#18 R&B) and ‘You Ole Boo Boo You’ (#47 R&B). But, the album has taken on legendary status for the none hit ‘Just Lovin’ You’, a Northern Soul classic that, like a fine wine, gets better with age.
