Information/Write-up
Released in 1961 on Rodeo Records, Ruby / When You Said You All is one of the rarest and most electrifying Canadian rockabilly singles ever pressed. While Ted Daigle was already known for his blend of country and early rock & roll, this record captures him at his most energetic, wild, and untamed—a pure rockabilly barnburner that stands as a crown jewel of the genre in Canada.
On "Ruby," Daigle attacks the mic with swagger and intensity, backed by the relentless slap-back rhythms of The Midnighters. Ron Roy’s sharp, twangy guitar licks, paired with a pounding bassline from Cliff Clinton and the propulsive drumming of Bob Hunt, create a perfect storm of rockabilly attitude. The track is driven by a stomping beat, raw vocals, and high-octane energy, making it a holy grail for collectors of rare Canadian rock & roll.
The B-side, "When You Said You All," keeps the energy high, featuring fast-paced guitar work, classic rockabilly vocal inflections, and an irresistible dancefloor groove. The song was Daigle’s interpretation of Jimmy Work’s "When She Said You All", retitled for this single, and delivered with a uniquely Canadian rockabilly twist.
With only a handful of copies known to exist, Ruby / When You Said You All is one of the most valuable and elusive Canadian rockabilly 45s. For collectors, it represents the pinnacle of raw, 1960s-era rock & roll from Canada, proving that Ted Daigle was not just a country radio pioneer, but also a true rockabilly firebrand.
-Robert Williston
Ted Daigle: vocals, guitar
The Midnighters:
Ron Roy: lead guitar
John Johnson: rhythm guitar
Cliff Clinton: bass guitar
Bob Hunt: drums
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