Ruble Blakey

American singer (b. April 4, 1911 in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky – d. May 13, 1992 in Oak Bluffs, Dukes County, Massachusetts) Born in Kentucky, Blakey grew up in Chicago. In 1930, he worked as a dancer in a Chicago cabaret. Later, he had several engagements in Chicago's Ritz Lounge, which was owned by a cousin. In 1940, he worked at Joe Glaser's famous Grand Terrace Cafe in Chicago. Between 1941-1945, he was a vocalist with Lionel Hampton And His Orchestra and cut a number of sides with Victor and Decca. In 1946, he recorded on the HUB label with Don Byas And His Orchestra.