Top Ten Ruby Songs: Ruby Baby (#5)

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Good morning! It’s scheduled maintenance day on Bestill. While he’s getting a fresh dose of oil I’m having lunch and ready to assault your senses with another song that has “Ruby” in the title. This was inspired by my recent trip to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga. Here’s one that the older people probably knew was going to show up. #5: Ruby Baby - Dion For those who don’t know, Dion does have a last name: DiMucci. You’re welcome. Dion came to superstardom in the saddest of ways: he was forced into the “star” role on the Winter Dance Party after the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. Not that he doesn’t have the talent (consider his hits like “A Teenager in Love,” “Runaround Sue,” or “The Wanderer”), but that’s a terrible way to get thrust into the limelight. As for this song, it was originally recorded by the Drifters, but it was the Dion version in 1962 that became an international smash. It’s been covered countless times since then (I remember Billy “Crash” Craddock doing a country version in the 70s), but this is pretty much the definitive version. Dion is 83 and still touring. Rock on, Dion! Ruby Baby Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller Recorded by Dion Released as a single, 1962 Like a ghost I’m gonna haunt ya: