Ruby Hill Turner (1922 – 2004) was an American singer who starred in the 1946 Broadway production St. Louis Woman. She performed the hit songs "Come Rain or Come Shine"[1] and Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home[2] for more than 100 showings. Capitol Records recorded her.[3] She featured in the 1947 musical compilation film Ebony Parade[3] made using archival clips. She performed at New York City's Cotton Club and the Ed Sullivan Show.[3]
She was born in Danville, Virginia.[4] The young singer who was a reportedly a high school student in Richmond, Virginia before being discovered and cast in the show[5] was fired in a reorganization, but Pearl Bailey led the St Louis Woman cast in a promised strike unless Hill was rehired.[6] After 113 performances the show closed. She left show business for 5 years, performing some smaller venues, eventually relating that her management was trying to shape her into a Lena Horne cast.[7] [8] A film adaption of St. Louis Woman entered into production with Hill reprising her role, but was eventually scrapped.[8]
A different account of her life describes her moving to New York City in 1939 and marrying.[9]
The slight young singer who Jet described as doll like was married to Robert Turner.[7]