Ruby Murray Official Site

.... that made you take a look ! lol

From NME March 9th 1956 ...

Singer Ruby Murray departed from London Airport for a 3 weeks' visit to America last Sunday - whilst controversy was raging concerning photographs of her which had been issued in the USA.
Ruby alleged that these pictures had been faked - and was annoyed that her introduction to the American public showed her in an off-the-shoulder dress, which she claims had never been worn by her.
However, the incident received wide press coverage on both sides of the Atlantic. The 'Daily Express' reports that Ruby is getting 'full treatment from New York publicity men'.
Nat Hentoff cables that a press party for Ruby and British Columbia records chief, Norrie Paramor, was arranged on the day they arrived in New York by Capitol Records. Furthermore, Ruby has already undertaken several disc jockey shows.
Negotiations are proceeding for her to appear in two peak TV programmes - 'The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show' for CBS on March 17, alternatively an Ed Sullivan ' Toast of the Town' shot has been mooted.
This weekend Ruby broadcasts in the NBC 'Monitor' series , before flying to Hollywood.
If the Tommy Dorsey or Ed Sullivan TV programmes are finalised, Ruby will make arrangements to break her journey in New York from California to Canada - where she is visiting her sister, prior to returning to Britain at the end of this month.

( Picture shows Ruby with Bob Hope at London Airport before leaving for New York).

More info regarding Ruby's visit to the States in 1956 ( from NME )

The departure hall at London Airport last Sunday was crowded with Ruby Murray fans, who came to bid her farewell - together with some Irish Pipers - for her visit to America.
In a seperate reception room, Ruby, with Norrie and Joan Paramor, were surprised at the number of celebrities who came to tender their good wishes.
Wellwishers at London Airport on Sunday included - Mr and Mrs Eddie Calvert; agent Keith Devon; publicists Al Hunt and Doug Geddes; executives of the EMI group, CH Thomas and John Whittle; music publishers Cyril Simons and Alan Paramor; comedian Jeffrey Lenner and representing the NME, Maurice Kinn.

( It also reports that Norrie Paramor had a NME award in his case, to be presented to Frank Sinatra - he had been voted by readers of the paper as the' World's Most outstanding singer' in the polls. It was to be presented to Sinatra by Paramor at the opening of the new Capitol Records' circular building in Hollywood )

The popular ' Tail-Pieces - by the Alley Cat' section also reports -
Three famous British singers, a musical publisher, an orchestra leader and theatrical agent are all staying at New York's Park Sheraton Hotel - Ruby Murray, Dave King, Lita Roza, Maurice Taylor, Norrie Paramor and Will Collins.

Hi Mark, Hi everyone,

Very interesting articles. What a very hectic schedule Ruby had in those early days. Does anybody know if Ruby did actually appear on the Ed Sullivan show? If so what did she sing and is there any chance of the tapes of this or any other programmes from the states still being available?

Martin.

Hi Martin,

From the listings I have, it doesn't look like Ruby appeared on the ' Ed Sullivan Show afterall. Which of course, was a great loss to the American public and Ruby too, as I understand it was the cream of US variety shows, like SN at the LP was here, and she would have gained mass exposure in the States.
But the show was renowned for running overtime - and artistes were often asked to 'come back next week' if time ran out!
During March / April 1956 singers that appeared on the show, that may also appeal to RM fans included Teresa Brewer, Piaf, Mitzi Gaynor and British stars Harry Secombe and Yana.
But sadly - no mention of Ruby.

Mark

Thanks for that Mark. Yes I agree it was a loss to the American public as that show was massive.

Ruby says on a radio interview with Sarah Kennedy that they did not like her in America. I am sure that can't be true.

Martin.

Hello Friends,

Amongst my collection of photos I have quite a selection of photographs that were taken on this American tour. I will attempt to upload some when I return to Spain at the end of September

In answer to one of the queries regarding television appearances on this trip. It was essentially a PROMOTIONAL tour with record sales in mind. As a consequence Norrie Paramor would have accompanied Ruby as her A.& R. man at Columbia Records and would not have taken musical scores with him, therfore no 'live' performances were planned. Obviously there were many radio interviews with D.J.s from radio stations.

Regarding the 'fake' photographs, there were attempts to portray Ruby as a sex symbal but naturally Ruby was not in agreement. Requests were made for her to 'show a leg' but we all know that is not our Ruby. I guess the Americans were not eager to accept innocent beauty???. As someone has said, that was their loss.

Ruby also had that very bad experience on the Pattie Page Show so she was never anxious to pursue popularity in the States.The Americans would have tried to change her and there would have been no way Ruby would have gone along with that.

Kindest regards to you all.

Adios Amigos. Bernie.