Ruby Turner
Francella Ruby Turner MBE is a British Jamaican R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and actress born on June 22, 1958, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. She moved to Birmingham, England, at age nine and began her career in theatre at 16 before transitioning to music.
Turner gained early recognition singing with blues legend Alexis Korner and as a backing vocalist for Culture Club on their album From Luxury to Heartache, which led to her solo deal with Jive Records. Her debut album, Women Hold Up Half the Sky (1986), earned critical acclaim with hits like "If You're Ready (Come Go with Me)" and "I'd Rather Go Blind".
She topped the US Billboard R&B chart in 1990 with "It's Gonna Be Alright," one of few British records to do so, and released The Motown Songbook featuring collaborations with The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Jimmy Ruffin. Over 40 years, she has issued 17 albums, contributed to tracks by Bryan Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood, Jools Holland, and Mick Jagger, and become a staple in Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
Turner continues performing live, including with Jools Holland for nearly 30 years, and remains active in soul, gospel, and R&B scenes as of 2024.
Paradise
Featuring – Ecstacy
Written-By – J. Skinner, L. Holland, R. Turner 4:30
A2 It's Gonna Be Alright
Written-By – J. Skinner, L. Holland, R. Turner 4:28
A3 It's A Cryin' Shame
Written-By – J. Skinner, L. Holland, R. Turner 4:30
A4 Leaves In The Wind
Written-By – J. Skinner, L. Holland, R. Turner 4:53
A5 There's No Better Love
Written-By – J. Skinner, L. Holland 4:22
B1 Everytime I Breathe
Written-By – J. Skinner, L. Holland 4:37
B2 Sexy
Written-By – Cecil And Linda Womack 3:56
B3 See Me
Written-By – Cecil And Linda Womack 4:44
B4 Surrender
Written-By – J. Skinner, L. Holland 4:14
B5 It's You My Heart Beats For
Written-By – Frances, L. Holland, Frances 4:30
Label: Jive – 1298-1-J
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: R&B Soul, Hip Hop, Funk
Style: RnB/Swing, Synth-pop, Disco
Ruby Turner's 1989 album Paradise is a significant R&B/Soul release, her only album to hit the Billboard 200, known for strong vocal performances, particularly on its hit single "It's Gonna Be Alright," blending R&B, soul, and reggae, showcasing her powerful voice and roots, earning praise for its authentic feel, though some fans find it less powerful than her work with Jools Holland.
A mix of R&B, contemporary soul, and reggae, reflecting Turner's Jamaican heritage, Featured singles include "It's Gonna Be Alright" (a #1 R&B hit), "Paradise," and "It's a Cryin' Shame".
The album highlights Turner's "jawdropping delivery" and vocal versatility, a consistent strength in her career. The album reached #194 on the Billboard 200 and #39 on the R&B charts in the US, notes Wikipedia.
Fans appreciate the album's soulful depth, with many praising the title track and powerful performances like "I'd Rather Go Blind".
Turner revisited reggae on the album, connecting with her childhood and Jamaican roots, resonating with listeners who love her blend of styles.
Some listeners feel it doesn't quite capture the raw energy of her live performances with Jools Holland, though it's still highly regarded.
In essence, Paradise is a critically noted album that solidified Ruby Turner's place as a significant R&B/soul voice, offering powerful vocals and a rich blend of genres, even if her live shows often reach even greater heights for some fans.