She was born
Ruby Walker in New York City. She met Bessie Smith, her aunt (by marriage), in
Philadelphia. After Bessie's debut recording, in February 1923, Ruby joined her on tour in 1924. Ruby assisted off-stage with costume changes and provided entertainment during intermissions by dancing. Ruby's thoughts of a career as a singer were initially thwarted in 1926 at Bessie's insistence, but they continued traveling together on tour. In
Atlanta, Georgia, Ruby spent a night in jail after being caught bringing
moonshine for her aunt to consume. In 1927, Ruby was part of the female entourage led by Bessie to the "buffet flats" in Detroit, Michigan. A lengthy recorded interview she gave to
Chris Albertson contained references to this time and others, Of a particularly "open house" sex show, Smith said, "People used to pay good just to go in there and see him do his act." Later Jack Gee, who was married to Bessie at the time, once implored Ruby to take the musical stage after her aunt had walked out in
Indianapolis, Indiana. However, the deception did not last long, and in the event Bessie died in 1937. ==Recordings==