Ruby Andrews (née Stackhouse) was born in Hollandale, Mississippi in 1947 and moved to Chicago aged five. Like many, she honed her singing talents in church and performing in high school talent contests where she rubbed shoulders with friend and future superstar Minnie Riperton. After joining a group called the Vondells – and a stint as a nightclub dancer – Ruby recorded her debut 45 for Kellmac Records in 1965. With its slightly Latinised soul sound ‘Wishing’ was a great entrée into the music business and opened the doors for her at Zodiac Records. During her stay at Zodiac, Ruby recorded 16 singles and two outstanding albums; the lost soul masterpiece Everybody Saw You in 1970, followed by Black Ruby in 1972. Her first hit came in 1967 (#9 R&B), ‘Casonova (Your Playing Days Are Over)’, her biggest seller. 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). The album has taken on cult status for the non-hit ‘Just Lovin’ You’, a Northern Soul classic that, like a fine wine, gets better with age.
