The music world has lost a powerful voice with the passing of singer Ruby Andrews.
Best known for the 1967 R&B hit “Casanova.” Andrews was 79 years old.
A Unique Style
The sad news of Andrews’ passing was first announced on her Facebook page.
“Today my heart is broken as I share the heartbreaking news that my beloved Auntie Ruby Andrews, the great blues and soul singer, has passed away,” the post reads.
“Auntie Ruby was truly one of a kind,” the post continues. “Her powerful voice, soulful spirit, and incredible talent touched generations of music lovers. She gave the world unforgettable songs like ‘Casanova (Your Playing Days Are Over),’ ‘You Made a Believer (Out of Me),’ and ‘Everybody Saw You.’ ‘Casanova’ became a major R&B hit, reaching No. 9 on the R&B charts. Her remarkable career was recognized with her 2023 induction into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor for an artist who made such an enduring contribution to soul, R&B, and the blues.”
The heartfelt post concluded: “But beyond the records, the accolades, and the beautiful music, she was my Auntie Ruby, family, loved one, and a beautiful soul who can never be replaced. Thank you, Auntie Ruby, for the music, the memories, the love, and the legacy you leave behind. Your voice may be silent here on Earth, but your music and your spirit will live on forever. Rest peacefully, Auntie Ruby. You were loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.”
‘Casanova’ Cracked the Top 10 in ’67
She was born Ruby Mae Stackhouse in the small town of Hollandale, Mississippi, entering the world in 1947. In the early 1950s, she and her family moved to Chicago, which would remain her home base for the rest of her life.
She got her start performing at her high school’s senior variety show. After her rendition of Ted Taylor’s “Be Ever Wonderful” earned a rousing standing ovation, she decided to pursue a career in music. During that period, she was befriended by a classmate who would likewise go on to future stardom, Minnie Riperton. The two girls, both aspiring singers, would sneak into Chicago nightclubs as teenagers in order to hear local singers.
She formed a vocal group, The Vondells, but quickly became a solo act. Andrews’ powerful voice and soulful delivery are on full display in her third single, the 1967 hit “Casanova (Your Playing Days Are Over),” recorded for the Zodiac label.
Per Soul Tracks, she followed that up with further singles including “You Made a Believer (Out of Me),” which became a Top 20 hit on the R&B charts in 1969. The following year, her single “Everybody Saw You” cracked the R&B Top 40.
Her Career Spanned Four Decades
Andrews continued recording and performing throughout the ensuing decades. Eventually, she went on to form her own record label, Genuine Ruby Records.
In subsequent years, she gravitated towards harder-edged, more blues-influenced material, including an album produced by singer and producer Swamp Dogg. Her final album, “Hip Shakin’ Mama,” was released in 1998.
Andrews was married to Robert “Squirrel” Lester of popular Chicago soul group The Chi-Lites. Lester passed away in 2010; the couple had no children.
