Ruby Winters
Ruby Winters (born Ruby Forehand; January 18, 1942 – August 7, 2016) was an American soul singer best known for her emotive vocal style and her 1977 UK hit "I Will". Born in Louisville, Kentucky, to Lucille Inez Bradshaw and Charles Forehand, Jr., she was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Winters became a wife and mother at age 16, which was the same age she began her professional singing career. By 1966, she was performing with the Charlie Daniels band. She initially recorded in Nashville and had her first minor hit in 1967 with "Make Love to Me," a duet with Johnny Thunder. Other top 20 R&B hits in 1969 included "I Don't Want to Cry" and "Guess Who".
Winters continued recording for various labels like Polydor and Playboy throughout the early 1970s. Just as her career in the U.S. was fading, her cover of the standard "I Will" became a massive success in the UK, reaching number 4 on the singles chart. Following "I Will," she achieved further UK success with tracks such as "Come to Me," "Baby Lay Down," and "I Won't Mention It Again".
She was married to George Yates and later to William Jenkins, with whom she had five children. She died at age 74 on August 7, 2016, in Missouri City, Texas.
Posthumous collections of her work continue to be released, including Ruby's Diamonds (2024) and Her Best (February 2025).
I Will
Written-By – D. Glasser 3:32
A2 If This Is Our Last Time
Written-By – D. Frazier 3:18
A3 I Can't Fake It Anymore
Written-By – B. Thompson, D. Thompson, J. Middleton, M. Thompson, S. Shulman 3:25
A4 Treat Me Right
Written-By – B. Thompson, D. Thompson, J. Middleton, M. Thompson, S. Shulman 3:46
A5 For The Good Times
Written-By – K. Kristofferson 3:50
B1 Something's Burning
Written-By – M. Davis 3:52
B2 Come To Me
Written-By – G. Price 3:15
B3 I Won't Mention It Again
Written-By – C. Mullins, C. Yates 3:23
B4 Lonely Heartaches
Written-By – B. Thompson, D. Thompson, J. Middleton, M. Thompson 4:12
B5 Neither One Of Us
Written-By – J. Weatherly 4:15
Label: Millennium – MNLP 8006
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Ruby Winters' album I Will, released in 1978, is widely regarded by soul enthusiasts and collectors as a "lost gem" of melodic soul. Critics and listeners consistently praise it for its passionate vocal performances and polished production.
The album maintains high ratings across major music platforms as of late 2025, typically ranging from 4.4 to 4.6 out of 5 stars based on user reviews.
Reviewers describe Ruby Winters' voice as "gorgeous," "passionate," and "yearning". Her ability to convey "honesty" about life and love is frequently cited as a standout quality.
The music is characterized by its "melodic soul perfection," often featuring "funky lilting bass" lines and infectious arrangements.
Fans note the album's ability to balance upbeat, infectious melodies with "bluesy, desolate and sad" lyrics, creating a deeply emotive listening experience.
Notable Tracks:
"I Will": Often called a "soul classic," this title track is praised for its magical harmonies and soulful bliss. A major hit in the UK, peaking at number 4 on the UK Singles Chartt.
"Come To Me": The song is a soul ballad where the narrator offers comfort and light to a lover who might leave but is reminded they can always return when lonely. Another major UK hit, peaking at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
"For the Good Times": A fan favorite, noted for its "beautiful" execution and emotional depth.
"Bluer Days Ahead": Highlighted for its faster pace and brass-heavy beat, demonstrating Winters' versatility across different soul styles.
While originally released as a vinyl LP on Millennium Records, the album has seen various reissues and is sought after in both original 7" 45 RPM and LP formats. You can find detailed tracklists and community ratings for different editions on the Ruby Winters Discogs page.