SOUL and R&B diva Ruby Turner is set to perform in Birmingham on Friday.

Ruby moved to Birmingham from Jamaica when she was nine, joined Culture Club in the 1980s and was promptly offered a solo record deal.

Four albums and a Best Of were released over the next few years, spawning hits including If You're Ready (Come Go With Me), I'd Rather Go Blind and It's Gonna Be Alright, which reached number one in the US R&B chart - one in less than 10 British records to achieve this.

Ruby also performed on The Motown Songbook hit album, appearing with some of the great stars of the era such as The Four Tops, The Temptations and Jimmy Ruffin.

To date the singer has released eight albums and guested on many other including Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood and Jools Holland.

She performs at The Arena, Midlands Arts Centre from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £11 or £9 from the box office on 0121 440 3838.