Sunderland-born singer of huge dance anthem 'chuffed to bits' to join Music Wall of Fame
Her voice has been heard by millions on a huge dance anthem.
It was the hypnotic dance anthem which captured the zeitgeist of Britain’s late ‘90s music scene.
Now, the voice behind You’re Not Alone has returned to her home city for the unveiling of her portrait on the Sunderland Music Wall of Fame.
As the lead singer of Olive, Ruth-Ann Boyle had huge success with band mates Tim and Robin with the release of the track in 1996, which led to them touring the world and winning an Ivor Novello Award.
Former St Anthony’s pupil Ruth, who grew up in Doxford Park, first joined a band when she was studying theatre at Monkwearmouth School sixth form before moving to Sheffield where she met her Olive band mates.
It catapulted her to fame, with You’re Not Alone actually one of the band’s demo tracks.
Ruth went on to lend her voice to Enigma tracks including the haunting Gravity of Love, as well as releasing her own music.
Ruth, now 56, is back in her home city this week to headline the National Mackem Day event at Sheepfolds Stables and to see her portrait, by artist Kathryn Robertson, unveiled on the Sunderland Music Wall of Fame outside The Fire Station.
She joins fellow Mackem musicians Dave Stewart, Field Music, Kenickie and The Futureheads on the wall, with more to be added.
“I’m chuffed to bits to be in my home city and it’s a massive honour to be next to Dave Stewart on the wall,” Ruth told the Echo at the unveiling.
Speaking about the huge success of the track, she said: “It was amazing. We had the time of our lives to be fair. We got to tour all over the world. There were tiring bits, a lot of travelling and a lot of late nights but I’m not complaining. I loved every minute of it.”
Michelle Daurat, from Sunderland Music City, said: “Ruth is absolutely deserving of being on this beautiful Wall of Fame with all of these other amazing Sunderland music artists.
“We’re very proud of her and I am especially proud because we went to St Anthony’s together.”
Ruth has been back working with former Olive band mate Tim Kellett with the pair due to release four tracks soon.