Originally from North Carolina, Ruby Johnson relocated to Washington DC in the mid '50's to begin her professional singing career, and then eventually ended up in Memphis around 1965, signed to Stax records offshoot Volt. Al Bell had just become part of the Stax crew, and as he was a big supporter of Ruby, got her signed to the label where she recorded her greatest work.
After years of never achieving the success she deserved, she quit the music business in 1974 and went back to where it all began for her- singing at her local temple in her new home in Maryland (Ruby was raised Jewish). Sadly, she died too young at age 63.
This superb record is dripping with Stax magic; the backing band is obviously Booker T & The MG's, and the combination of their sublime musicianship and Ruby's uplifting vocals pushing HARD make for one massively exciting record.
from 1966...
7 comments:
Weak Spot is indeed a 24 carat five-star smash ... but the flip is IMHO even more sublime, the definition of Deep Soul.
Top choice, Derek!
after that last comment, could you please play the flip side Derek? sublime deep soul cannot be denied!
spread the love
One of Stax's finest - and that's saying something! The Detroit Cobras did a great cover. W.
save our host's bandwidth - here's a link to the flip on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx8Ok6NZyRc
Thrills run all over my body when Ruby lets loose. A great artist
yes, thank you! I LOVE the flip as well, but I have to be cautious with bandwidth. I am trying to keep posts up longer so it's finding that delicate balance!
Loving that arrangement!
Especially the way it kicks in ....
Thanks!
Lovely, thank you!
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