Texas Ruby Biography

Short Summary

Texas Ruby was an influential American country music singer and songwriter known for her distinctive voice and vibrant stage presence. She gained fame in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s, as a pioneering female artist in a male-dominated genre. Ruby's contributions to country music, along with her partnership with her husband, Curly Fox, solidified her place in music history. Her legacy continues to inspire female artists in the country music industry.

Early Life & Education

Born as Ruby Agnes Owens on June 4, 1908, in Wise County, Texas, she grew up in a musical family that fostered her early interest in music. She was the younger sister of Tex Owens, another notable country singer, which influenced her musical journey. Ruby began performing at a young age, learning to play instruments and sing with her family. Her education was primarily informal, centered around music and performance rather than traditional schooling. This early exposure to music helped shape her unique style and set the foundation for her future career in country music.

Career Highlights

Ruby's career took off in the 1930s when she started performing on radio shows and in live venues across the southern United States. Her powerful voice and engaging stage presence quickly drew attention. In 1937, she married fiddler Curly Fox, and together they formed a popular musical duo known as Curly Fox and Texas Ruby. The couple became regular performers on the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most prestigious platforms in country music. Throughout her career, she recorded several hit songs and was a trailblazer for women in country music, paving the way for future female artists.

Major Achievements

First female singer to perform regularly on the Grand Ole Opry, breaking gender barriers in country music.
Recorded several hit singles, including "Don't Let That Man Get You Down," which became a classic in country music.
Partnered with Curly Fox to form a successful musical duo, enhancing the popularity of country music in the mid-20th century.

Famous Quotes

"I just sing what I feel, and that's the only way I know how."
"Music is in my blood, and I couldn't live without it."

Interesting Facts

Her stage name, "Texas Ruby," was a nod to her home state and her fiery personality.
She was one of the few female country artists of her time to achieve significant success.
Ruby and her husband were known for their humorous and lively performances, which drew large audiences.
She was part of the first wave of female country artists to gain national recognition.

Legacy / Influence

Texas Ruby's legacy lies in her groundbreaking role as a female artist in the country music industry. She paved the way for future generations of women in country music, showing that female artists could achieve success and recognition. Her influence is seen in the careers of many contemporary female country musicians who cite her as an inspiration. Ruby's contributions to country music continue to resonate, and her recordings remain cherished by fans of the genre.