Ruby and The Romantics Topped the Music World 50 Years Ago This Week

First tenor Eric Roberts, second tenor George Lee, bass Leroy Fann, and baritone Ronald Mosley were all part of the same high school choir. After graduating from high school they formed a vocal group and performed in small clubs. They released a few unsuccessful singles for some small labels. They performed under the name The Supremes, which would become one of the most famous group names of the 1960s but unfortunately not for them.

The group was in need of a song and songwriters Bob Hilliard and Mort Garson had one. Unfortunately they wanted Kapp Records artist Jack Jones to record their song. It took a lot of convincing but they finally allowed the unknown group to record their composition. It was a wise decision as “Our Day Will Come” entered the Billboard Hot 100 February 9, 1963. Fifty years ago this week it reached number one, selling over one million copies along the way. It also topped the R&B chart.

Ruby Nash had a clear voice. The Romantics were well-suited to being a backing group as their tight harmonies formed a foundation for the lead vocal. “Our Day Will Come” may have been simple, but it’s a smooth performance with a melody that stays in the listener’s mind long after the music ends.

While they would never reach the top 10 again, they did place seven more singles on the Hot 100 between 1963-65 before disbanding in 1971. Nash had become disenchanted with life on the road and wanted to concentrate on raising a family. She settled in Akron and worked for AT&T.

There will be no reunions as all four male members of the group are deceased and Nash is retired. While they may not have changed music history, they did have one shining moment 50 years ago when they topped the American music world for one week.