Building a reputation outside of their parents’ spotlight can be extremely difficult for many children of well-known musicians. However, Ruby Stewart has quietly and remarkably successfully established her own identity, making the shameful move from high fashion modeling to a promising career in music. She danced with her father’s legacy, sometimes literally, on stage rather than running away from it.
In addition to inheriting Rod Stewart’s last name, Ruby was born in Los Angeles in June 1987 and has a remarkable vocal style that is both nostalgic and modern. That Ruby’s first steps leaned toward the runway is hardly surprising given her mother, Kelly Emberg, whose modeling career included appearances in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Sports Illustrated. Ruby, however, continued to develop, striving for artistic expression that felt more in line with her inner voice, in contrast to those who are stuck in the mold of their families.
Ruby Stewart: Bio & Career Snapshot
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ruby Stewart |
Birthdate | June 17, 1987 |
Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Father | Sir Rod Stewart (rock singer) |
Mother | Kelly Emberg (former model) |
Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Former Model |
Musical Act | The Sisterhood (disbanded 2021), currently performing as solo artist |
Performance Style | Country-rock, folk, acoustic |
Notable Duets | “Forever Young” live with Rod Stewart in Austin, Texas (March 2025) |
Modeling Highlights | Vogue Italia, Glamour Italia, Ultimo, London Fashion Week (Karen Walker) |
@rubystewart | |
Partner | Engaged to Jake Kalick (2023) |
Child | Otis Stewart Kalick (born May 9, 2023) |
She was making appearances on magazine covers and runways by the early 2000s. In 2007, she was chosen to be the face of the lingerie brand Ultimo and attended London Fashion Week. However, there were indications that she wasn’t finished exploring even during those well-known appearances. Her voice waited for a stage, hidden behind camera flashes.
The Sisterhood is a country-rock duo that Ruby formed with Nashville artist Alyssa Bonagura. The combination created harmonies that were especially appealing to fans who were looking for acoustic authenticity and poignant storytelling. When The Sisterhood opened for Rod Stewart on his 2016 European tour, their fusion of American country twang and faint British folk echoes turned into an unexpected highlight.
Although it’s simple to blame Ruby’s success on her last name, the reality is much more complex. She followed her father’s advice but made it uniquely her own by being disciplined and treating her voice like a muscle—warming it up, drinking plenty of water, and knowing when to take a break. She was creating a sound that fit in well with the expanding genre of folk-influenced Americana music, not just imitating Rod’s raspy glory.
Ruby’s presence has been most noticeable in her duets with Rod in recent years. Fans were astounded by their rendition of “Forever Young” in Austin during his 2025 tour, both for its musical quality and the endearing chemistry it displayed. Ruby matched him note for note, emotion for emotion, rather than merely singing. The moment encapsulated what a lot of famous kids want: to be recognized as capable individuals in their own right, not just as someone’s child.
Ruby places a strong focus on establishing a direct connection with her audience, which is remarkably similar to Rod’s early journey. She frequently gives fans a glimpse into the more intimate, quieter moments of performance preparation and life off-stage by posting behind-the-scenes videos and moments of creative vulnerability on Instagram. Through enduring loyalty rather than a viral explosion, her fan base has grown steadily.
Ruby decided not to pursue fame through radio hits or appearances on reality shows after The Sisterhood broke up in 2021. Rather, she went back to writing songs, doing solo performances, and working on worthwhile projects. Although it takes longer, this strategy has worked incredibly well for gaining her listeners’ trust. Themes of identity, family, and rebirth are explored in her frequently acoustic and lyrically unvarnished music.
Another level of relatability is added by Ruby’s private life. She warmly shared the news of her son Otis’s birth in 2023 with her fans, saying, “This love… unlike any other love I’ve ever known.” She got engaged to Jake Kalick in the same year. Instead of running away from the spotlight, she welcomed it as a platform to discuss the pleasures and difficulties of becoming a new mother, fusing work and family in a way that many people find incredibly honest and modern.
Ruby participated in Global Citizen’s #TogetherAtHome campaign during the pandemic, performing with her father to provide solace during lockdowns. Her serene demeanor and distinct voice reminded us that sometimes the most powerful art requires sincerity rather than glitz.
Authenticity is more valuable than ever in the music industry, and Ruby’s development has reflected this trend. Instead of chasing algorithms, artists like Brandi Carlile, Noah Cyrus, and Kacey Musgraves have found success by focusing on emotional resonance. Ruby blends in well with them, not because she mimics their sound but because she shares their values.
Ruby’s relationship with her siblings, Kimberly, Sean, Renee, and Liam, has also grown significantly, according to those who follow celebrity families. A full circle moment was created when they all showed up at Rod’s Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in 2025, demonstrating how a cohesive family supports not only their father but also each other. Ruby was a remarkable presence, displaying grace and poise.