About the song
“Ruby Baby,” performed by Dion on television in 1963, is a compelling showcase of the artist’s vocal prowess and the vibrant energy of early 1960s pop music. This live TV appearance highlights Dion’s dynamic performance style and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music, capturing the essence of an era characterized by its rich vocal harmonies and upbeat rhythms.
Dion DiMucci, known simply as Dion, first gained prominence as the lead singer of Dion and the Belmonts, a group renowned for its doo-wop and early rock ‘n’ roll hits. However, by 1963, Dion had embarked on a successful solo career that marked a significant evolution in his musical style. “Ruby Baby,” a track originally penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was released as part of his solo work and became one of his notable hits during this period.
The song was featured on Dion’s 1963 album *Dion*, and it stands out for its engaging melody and emotive lyrics. “Ruby Baby” combines a smooth, catchy rhythm with Dion’s distinctive vocal delivery, showcasing his ability to blend pop and rhythm and blues influences seamlessly. The performance captured on television in 1963 demonstrates Dion’s charismatic stage presence and his skill in bringing the song’s heartfelt narrative to life.
Upon its release, “Ruby Baby” achieved considerable success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This impressive chart position not only underscored Dion’s growing popularity as a solo artist but also highlighted his significant contribution to the pop music landscape of the early 1960s. The song’s success was further enhanced by its memorable melody and Dion’s compelling performance, which resonated strongly with audiences of the time.
The live television appearance of “Ruby Baby” offers a glimpse into Dion’s vibrant performance style and his ability to connect with audiences through his music. The combination of his emotive vocal delivery and the song’s catchy rhythm makes this performance a memorable highlight of Dion’s career and a testament to his impact on the music industry.
In summary, Dion’s 1963 TV performance of “Ruby Baby” is a notable example of his solo work, showcasing his distinctive vocal talent and the engaging style of early 1960s pop music. Released as part of his solo album and achieving significant chart success, the song remains a testament to Dion’s ability to captivate audiences and contribute to the enduring legacy of pop and rhythm and blues music.
Video
Lyrics
Ah now said I love a girl and-a Ruby is her name
Hear me talkin’ now
This girl don’t love me but I love her just the same
What’d I say?
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, Ruby, Ruby, I’m-a want ya
Like a ghost I’m-a gonna haunt ya
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby will you be mine, sometime
Ah each time I see you, baby my heart cries
Ah, it does, Ruby
I tell ya I’m gonna steal you away from all those guys
Are they wise?
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, from the happy day I met ya
Now I made a bet that I was goin’ to get ya
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby will you be mine?
Hear me talkin’, in time, now, hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey, come to me, now
Hey-hey
Hey-hey, gonna get ya
Hey-hey, well, I tell ya
Now I love this girl I said-a Ruby is her name
Believe me, now
When this girl looks at me she just sets my soul aflame
Don’t ya know?
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, I got some hugs and-a kisses, too
Yeah and now I’m gonna give-a them all to you
Now, listen, now Ruby, Ruby, when will you be mine?
Gonna get you sometime, Ruby
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey
Come to me baby, no, hey-hey hey
Hey-hey
Hey-hey hey
Hey-hey
Ah listen, listen, listen, now
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby will you be mine?
Ah, in time, everybody now