Rediscovered 1993 Footage Reveals Memphis Blues Legend Ruby Wilson's Historic New Zealand Performance
A recently unearthed VHS recording captures the legendary 'Queen of Beale Street' Ruby Wilson's remarkable 1993 performance at Christchurch's Hagley Park. The footage, discovered during a community fundraiser, documents a significant cultural exchange between Memphis blues and New Zealand, including Wilson's special performance at Turangawaewae marae.
Ruby Wilson, the 'Queen of Beale Street', performing at Hagley Park's Blues, Brews and BBQs festival in 1993
Lost Blues History Emerges in New Zealand Cultural Archive
In a significant discovery for music historians and blues enthusiasts, previously unseen footage of Memphis blues legend Ruby Wilson's 1993 New Zealand tour has emerged, offering a pristine window into a remarkable cultural exchange.
Memphis Meets Aotearoa
The footage, recently uncovered in an attic search for a community fundraiser, captures Wilson's electrifying performance at Christchurch's Blues, Brews and BBQs festival on January 31, 1993. The recording showcases why Wilson earned her title as the 'Queen of Beale Street'.
'When you see the film, you'll see why she was considered the Queen of Beale Street,' notes event organizer McCullough, who facilitated Wilson's tour.
Cultural Bridge-Building
Perhaps most notably, Wilson's tour included a prestigious performance at Turangawaewae, the official residence of the Māori monarch. There, she performed for Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikahu, whom Wilson had previously befriended in Memphis - exemplifying the cross-cultural connections fostered through music.
Memphis Blues Legacy
The archival footage also documents McCullough's connections to the Memphis blues scene, including his encounters with BB King during the opening of King's Blues Bar on the iconic Beale Street, where Wilson was the featured performer.
Wilson, who passed away in 2016 at age 68, performed in Beale Street clubs for nearly four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the blues genre. Her New Zealand tour, backed by Christchurch band The Coalrangers, included performances at:
- Turangawaewae marae in Ngaruawahia
- A blues club in Manchester St, Christchurch
- The famed Gluepot in Auckland
- A special performance in Wellington
Historical Preservation
The recovered footage now serves a dual purpose - preserving an important moment in blues history while supporting contemporary community needs. It was recently screened as part of a fundraiser for the Mt Pleasant Community Centre's 'Raise the Roof' campaign.
Wei-Ling Tan
Tech and economy specialist, covering innovation in Southeast Asia from Singapore for both English-language and regional media outlets.