Ruby Hickman, a tour assistant in charge of booking airline flights, learned of Brian’s birthday and arranged for birthday cake and dinner. She asked the Beatles if they wanted to buy Brian a birthday present.
“What for?” they responded. “He has money. He can buy whatever he wants. We’ve never bought him a present.”
So Ruby delivered a lecture on the reasons for gift giving.
“Ok, Ruby Baby,” as the Beatles called her. Then the search began for their money began.
“Since they had no way to spend it other than poker games, they didn’t have any reason to carry American money,” said Ruby.
After searching their pockets, they handed her all of their crumpled bills. The four had less than $400. She handed the money back to them.
“I’ll just pay for it or charge it to my account,” said Ruby.
She bought an exquisite French telephone and gifted it to Brian from the band.
Photos of Brian at the ranch with the band and his new phone are below.
