Totally agreed. You had to make something outstanding, with its own caracter, from the heart. Nowadays it has some sort of a formula they use to make it to the charts. Its all shit to me.
This was a television performance. As was the standard of the time it was all pantomime matching (more or less) the studio recording that was played for the taping of the show.
Yep, live performance. No doubt. I’m really impressed by the arrangement in fact. Mary Miller on tambourine and Kenny on Bass. Lead guitar used at the end as a percussion instrument to great effect. Very much enjoyable, thank you!
Great song! M-m-many p-p-people did not know that M-m-mel suffered a lifelong stuttering problem, 😳 but he could sing PERFECTLY without stuttering!! In addition to the many wonderful songs that he was responsible for, he also fathered a musical 🎼 songstress within her own right, Pam Tillis!! Mel and Kenny were both musical 🎼 wonders that gave this world 🌎 great music 🎶 that will be enjoyed for many generations to come. I can only imagine, the GREAT band and choir of all of the WONDERFUL performers who have left our planet and now sing in the heavens.
I remember this song coming out in 69. I was 19 and actually knew a couple of veterans that were in this situation. To this day, I bow my head in remembrance of all those that found themselves in this situation as well as all those that sacrificed so much for doing their patriotic duty whenever I hear it (which is seldom). I am also saddened by the reception Vietnam vets. received when they returned home. I salute you, all you "brothers in arms". (U.S. Marine 70-76)
My father in law was not disabled but after his second tour in Nam he found his wife was dating her bowling instructor. He never remarried but his three kids had the best upbringing. He was a better single parent than most two parent households. RIP Msgt Don Moore.
The lyrics are sooo damn good, they really tell a tough story of a paralyzed veteran who loves his wife and wants her to stay with him, it's heartbreaking.
May Kenny Rogers rest in peace, he died two days ago. I had just come home from the Vietnam War when this song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Charts at the end of the summer of 1969. When I heard the song on the radio, I really enjoyed the melody of Kenny's voice and the background musical as well. Then one day, I listened to the words, and I realized this song had deep and dark meanings for a few of my fellow veterans that came home physically wounded and also mentally stressed. I still like the song, but for different reasons. Thank you to Kenny and The First Edition for making this version of this song...
God bless Kenny. I'm not really a country guy, but I always loved Kenny's songs. If I don't hear Ruby a few times year, then life is just not worth living.
Although I am English, I can sympathise. I can remember disabled veterans from the two world wars selling matches on the streets. God bless you and your fellow veterans.
Still listen in 2022! Divorce,my Ex manipulated my kids. Iam 52 could be worse. But when I hear the good old Classics, Kenny,Diamond and all the best . Live goes on.✊️✊️✊️
The best of the best. Had the pleasure of meeting Kenny a a few times. Have a picture with him taken by his sister in law Mrs. Lelan Rogers.Sing with the angels my sweet music man.🎸😍
there's a video of her with the Grass Roots, and her tambourine, performing "Sooner or Later" on youtube too...and she was married to "King of the Road"...aka Roger Miller
I have been listening to and playing music for over 60 years and have never heard a live version that sounded better than the original. I cannot say that anymore.
Kenny's Bass chops are so tasty on this song! I've heard the song hundreds of times on the radio starting in 72 but; Kenny Rodgers wasn't on my radar till decades later...I served only 6 years after the Nam ended, so I hurt for that veteran...
It is never very long that I don't find myself singing "Ruby" to myself. Though I didn't go to Nam, it was 'cause they stopped drafting the year I was eligible. But I still feel how it affected the very few friends and neighbors who went, and, came back. They surely were treated badly. They did not get to take it to town.
Most DEFINENTELY NOT a recording playing........LIVE MUSIC...!!!!! This generation had voices with clarity that isn't seen today. No SCREAMING. No YELLING at the top of their lungs to see how long they can hold a note.
Ya,about as difficult as clapping your hands. She was a genius! You wouldn't have made the comment if she was a man. 100%.The most impressive thing in that video is Kenny playing the Bass and singing,now THAT'S difficult.
@@dr.phantom5147 I suppose you've never heard of Jack Ashford? There's your male percussionist. I am genuinely amazed by Mary Arnold. FYI, Playing bass and singing is not hard. Though by the state of your comment I'd say a decent fart would keep you happy. Cheers.
I've noticed that there are a number of "stars" out there that started out as an instrument player, then when they became the face of the band or whatever, that they put their instrument down and just sing and be the star. It's a shame though. Think about Karen Carpenter, she'll always be remembered as the singer of many great songs, but less people realize what a great drummer she was.
And I believe that is Mickey Jones back there on drums who said "All of it boy" on the movie Vacation. There is a live video of What Condition my Condition was in on here and he is playing the same drumset.
Dave Rucci, I totally agree. I'm a bass player, and while I can sing some backups, it's hard for me to sing lead while playing bass. You always tend to sing what you're playing, and with bass it's sometimes going opposite from the main melody (bass might be going down while the guitars are going up, etc.). I have mucho respect for the McCartneys, Stings, and other bassists who sing lead.
Kenny Rogers was really only known for his stellar voice but he was really a musical virtuoso great bass player, piano, guitar, & drummer but when you have that GREAT of a voice much like Michael Mcdonald that's what most know them for I miss Kenny...
What a career arc. From sharing lead vocals in a 60’s psychedelic rock group, to heading the band, to transitioning to country megastar with a TV show and a huge restaurant chain and singing duets with Dolly and others, to even appearing in We Are The World. Wow, wow, wow. I’ll never forget getting to sing ‘Lady’ solo in a high school choral performance
@@jimbo1959 There really is not that many in the big picture. And it is not easy. David Crosby was supposed to be the bass player in the Byrds but couldn't sing and play bass, Glen Campbell said he had a heck of a time when filling in for Brian Wilson when he wouldn't go on the road....Many more that can't then can.
Everyone, that's right everyone, please take a minute to thank our Creator for Kenny Rogers. His talents makes you to stop and express gratitude for Kenny Rogers. He is an enormous Gift from God!
I remember listening to an 8 track of this on a trip with the family, my mom really loved the ending, especially the way the drums continued after saying, "for God's sake turn around" and they kept it intact performing live. That is one of the best endings I have ever heard. The song really transports you into feeling what the crippled vet felt real or not. There were quite a few bands that came to be comprised of former members of The New Christy Minstrels such as this one and I think Barry McGuire also was a Minstrel, quite a few people that were minstrels became successful afterward. Mary Arnold who I had a hopeless crush on at 12, was not the first female singer in the band so I do not know if she was one of the New Christy Minstrels before that. Seeing this cements the idea that I had great taste in a women's appearance even before my voice changed. Of course we know that even infants respond well to attractive people so the self important media and goofy article writers do not shape tastes and image like they think. The first time I saw this on TV, Kenny was sitting on steps performing it, the song was so believable that when I saw Kenny sitting I thought, "oh yeah, maybe he really can't stand and walk because he's paralyzed and it was his story". It didn't take long to figure out that he was fine and the song was just so good and convincing that I felt helpless for the person the song is from the point of view of.
RIP Kenny. Your music was a big part of our lives. We miss you already Kenny!! Love from Steve & Janet, in Chicago. We're under coronavirus lockdown like so much of the country and the world right now. Stay safe and well everyone. Peace.
Steve Clark Same situation in Los Angeles . Kenny was of my Go To’s when feeling down . I came to this video and saw the RIP on your post and my heart sank just a bit more than it’s current state. RIP Kenny , I hope you didn’t suffer much your final days . Pls tell the big guy upstairs that we sure need help right now. Stay safe everyone..
We are so unworthy of this precious gift, but we can refuse to accept it. If you insist on having your own way, God will respect your choice. He will not let you go without doing everything he can. Trust Him and do it His way. The only smart choice.
Mel Tillis wrote this song. It's about the Korean War, not Vietnam. The back story on it is he saw a couple arguing in a bar. The vet was in a wheelchair. It inspired him to write this song.
gemstonnee Since you mentioned Lucille, were you aware that the song was based on true events? The song actually in a bar in Toledo, across the depot and witnessed the man say, "you've picked a fine time to leave me, "Lucille."" And from that much of the conversation that he heard, Kenny Rogers' career was reborn. Incidentially, his mother's name was Lucille and when the song was released, she didn't like because she thought everybody that heard was going to think that "Lucille" was her!
I always give big props to groups that perform live on television shows. It's real hard to get a studio like sound on a television sound stage. They did an excellent job with this performance.
Who would have guessed that Kenny become one of the biggest stars in music history ? Died without much fanfare during Covid ……seems like we should all throw a massive party for him for his gifts to us . What some don’t realize along with the glamor is incredible work that frankly most wouldn’t do for fame or money .
I agree but Kenny Doesn't. I watched an interview where he says he chose bass because there was a higher demand for bad bass players than there was for bad guitar players. He is or, at the time of interview at least, was a very humble man.
He was a good looking man . As a straight man I never understood all his face lifts and or botox in later years . I listened to his music on the radio back in the 60's . He defected to Country , thought he did well in this genre .
This song is so incredible, I can't believe it wasn't #1, and for weeks when it came out. wow. I will remember him as long as I live, and its going to be this song he brings to mind, forever RIP beautiful Kenny
I just watched the special to Kenny Rogers (the tribute that was given to him on Oct 25, 2017) and 6 wks later I'm still crying that another great is gone. I had the honor of seeing Kenny, 1st row, middle section, in 1980 in a outside concert in CA. I LOVED IT to put it mildly. I knew "Ruby" was a war song, but didn't know it was first sung by The First Edition in 1969. After watching the old film clip and hearing him, I liked that rendition better. My dad was a Vietnam Vet, and so many boys that were just a few yrs older than me were still being drafted right out of HS. They went in boys and came back men. Many messed up either physically or mentally or both. What this country did to them when they came back still makes me red with rage, but that was then. I still cry when I remember my dad taking me to the Army base hospital and I saw the guys, just a few yrs older than me, that were missing arms, legs, and sometimes both. I just can't imagine. THANK YOU TO ALL THE VETS, who listen to this song and others. You were awesome back then and you are now! RIP Kenny ~ your music made so many of us happy and you could sing a story teller's song like none other.
Though always a rock fanatic, including punk, alt, you name it, this song has secured a place in my heart since I first heard it. The subject always seemed relevant since I knew a few men in wheelchairs, paralyzed from waist down. From accidents or war, I always appreciated them going on with their lives. RIP, Kenny
Lyrics You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair Ruby are you contemplating, going out somewhere The shadow on the wall, tells me the sun is going down Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town It wasn't me that started that ol' crazy Asian war But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore And yes it's true, that I'm not the man I used to be But Ruby, I still need some company It's hard to love a man, whose legs are bent and paralyzed And the wants and needs of a woman of your age Ruby I realize Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town She's leaving now 'cause I just heard the slamming of the door The way I know I've heard it slam 100 times before And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground, oh Ruby Don't take your love to town, oh Ruby, for God's sake turn around
Missing a line: And the wants and needs of a woman of your age, Ruby I realize But it won't be long, I've heard them say, until I'm not around Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
I got to see them in the Fall of 1969 when they came to Northeast Missouri State College right after this song was high on the charts. They were GREAT.
