BARBARA RUSKIN

‘Overlooked’ is a word that is all too common when it comes to Barbara Ruskin. Born in East London in 1948, Barbara was a talented youngster, always interested in music, taught herself to play guitar and started writing songs. None of her songs were accepted by music publishers or record companies. She was overlooked. Her luck changed in 1964 when Pan Musik took an interest and had her signed to, first Piccadilly Records and then Parlophone. “Euston Station” was voted a hit on Juke Box Jury, but the record-buying public obviously weren’t watching  and “Come In To My Arms Again” (1967) with its Phil Spector ‘feel’ should also have been a hit, but like her previous releases, both were…..overlooked. In 1968 Pan Musik (a/k/a/ Pan Music) became part of the Kassner Music group of companies and Barbara’s releases switched to their President label. “Gentlemen Please” could have been a hit, but wasn’t. Overlooked again. Today Barbara’s records are sought after by collectors – she made her last one in 1972 – and her catalogue of compositions proves beyond doubt British female singer / songwriters should never be overlooked.