Born in New York City and raised in a family of musical royalty (the son of singer Ella Fitzgerald and legendary jazz bass player Ray Brown), Ray Brown, Jr. learned early to appreciate the beauty and artistry of music.
Although the primary emphasis was jazz, Ray's heart was in rock and roll and rhythm and blues. The family migrated to California where Ray studied piano at the age of 10. At 14, drums became an extended musical passion, so dad arranged for young Ray to study with Bill Douglas and later with Chuck Flores in Los Angeles. The singing drummer began playing private parties, graduating into the world of playing gigs. While attending Beverly Hills High School, Ray sang with the Mini-singers and Madrigals, who often toured the local area performing at music festivals and hospitals.
After moving to Seattle, Ray continued to sing and play drums at nightclubs while studying with drum man Bill Coleman, Sr. He also began writing and composing while traveling from club to club. "On the road is where I honed my song writing skills," says Ray. "Writing music has always been a wonderful outlet." For 15 years, Ray worked in bands and as a single artist, performing throughout the Pacific Northwest and in Canada, Alaska, Japan, Korea and Guam and doing Department of Defense tours.
"Because of my roots," says Ray, "people always assume I sing jazz or play jazz. That's what they ask when they meet me for the first time. People are surprised when I sing country or rock and roll. They do expect an experience from some rhythm and blues, and I don't mind giving into the 'real deal.' I'm fortunate I've been blessed with a versatile voice."
Ray displayed his versatile voice and other talents in 2001 with his debut album for SRI Records, "Slow Down For Love," a collection of light jazz and R&B songs composed, written and arranged by Ray that reached the top 50 of the Gavin Report. His second album, "Committed From The Heart," released in 2003, has an adult contemporary pop sound layered with R&B. Again, all tunes were composed, written and arranged by Ray. The year 2003 marked Ray's debut on the Las Vegas Strip, as he performed five nights a week in the Le Bistro Theater at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.
"In the studio, the spontaneity is there, but it's controlled," says Ray. "If it's not exactly right the first time you can go back and apply a second coat. But when it's live, it's all hanging out. It's an adventure and I love it."
The new release (available in January):
Hi Ray, Some of my fondest memories are playing gigs together in our first band together in high school and sitting at home with your beautiful Mom eating ribs. Love you and miss you man! R
Ciao,Ray ,thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot,and stupendous voice. you are fantastic ..really. you are one of my prefeitis talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal
The Domino Effect is a star-studded tribute concert celebrating the life and influence of rock and roll legend Fats Domino. Musical legends from far and wide are gathering in New Orleans for one historic night to pay tribute to Fats and his feats throughout his lifetime. A portion of the proceeds from this music extravaganza will benefit the Brees Dream Foundation bettering local playgrounds and outdoor recreation sites for the children of New Orleans. May 30th, New Orleans Arena.
Thank you very much for the friendship on MS, Ray. I love listening to your beautiful jazzy tunes and your fantastic songs, your voice is wonderful! Have a happy year 2009, I wish you always much success for your music, all the best, Askiwi
http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=9eaJ_XLpU2E Profile of songwriter/gambler, Chip Taylor, from CBS' Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood. Taylor wrote "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the Morning," as well as a song about SCATS which you can hear on our Myspace.
A little something from me to you to remember in this lifetime.
The Sky Is The Limit...
Dreams and Motivation Determination and Pursuit of Happiness;
Do what you do to get where you need to get Never allow anyone to deter you;
Don't feed into negativity There is a positive in every negative situation;
As the song goes "Tell Your Storm" That it won't last long;
Don't give up Keep fighting for what you believe in;
Remember "The race is not won by the swift nor the strong, but to the one who endureth until the end" In order to get something, you have to fight for it;
Be humble in your journey It will earn you overwhelming strength;
Pray the entire duration You need a good friend to see you through the difficult times;
Keep your head high as you reach for the stars The only obstacles you cannot overcome are the ones you've determined you cannot hurdle over - MIND OVER MATTER;
Be strong, be bold, take charge of your situation The Sky is the Limit and you are a winner.
Had sooo much fun when u came to houston last xmas. UR great! How's Hawaii? Awesome right? Can I borrow a surfboard from you when i come to visit ;) j/k
Hello from Chicago Ray. I thought I wrote you before but didnt see my comment when I stopped in again. SO, here it is again. Love your page man. Huge fan of everyone you have worked with. You have a great list of cridentials. Its all about the contacts first, then of course, backing it up with the talent. You got it man. Continued success to you. Please stop back at myspace again some time and drop me a note. Ciao for now. Joe
