Ruby Turner, waiting to connect musically

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

AMONG the thousands of patrons enjoying themselves at the recently concluded Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival was Jamaica-born, British-based R&B singer Ruby Turner.

Born in Sandy River, Clarendon, Turner lived briefly in Montego Bay, before migrating to England in the 1970s.

Her big break, however, came in the 1980s when she was asked to join pop star's Boy George's group Culture Club at the height of their stardom.

Now a solo artiste, Turner said she is optimistic that her music will eventually catch on locally.

"Time will tell where my music is concerned," she said, while enjoying the local line-up of Jazz Fest's first night.

"I am enjoying it [the festival]. Even if I can't partake. To see what Jamaica has produced gives me great pride. It's inspiring, gives me hope and makes me feel proud," she said.

As a solo act, she had the hit songs I'd Rather Go Blind, If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) and on the American R&B chart, the number one hit single It's Gonna Be Alright. She also released her hit album The Motown Songbook.

For her, she said she admired Yellowman, John Holt, Marcia Griffiths, and a few others that have kept the Jamaica flag high.

To date, Turner has released 14 albums plus the BBC's Live From Glastonbury, as well as appearing on releases by Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood and Mick Jagger. She is also one of the main singers in Jools Holland's R&B Orchestra, and features on many of the tracks on his latest album.

On her latest album, I'm Travelling On, she gives her interpretations of gospel standards previously recorded by artistes such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Brother Joe May, The Souls Stirrers and Mahalia Jackson.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston