Johnnie Ray

Johnnie Ray
Singer

John Alvin Ray was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Singer Tony Bennett called Ray the "father of rock and roll". Historians have noted him as a pioneering figure in the development of the genre.
Johnnie Ray was born January 10, 1927, in Dallas, Oregon. Ray began playing the piano at age three, and beginning at age twelve, sang in the local church choir.
At age thirteen, Ray became deaf in his left ear. In later years, Ray performed wearing a hearing aid. Surgery performed in 1958 left him almost completely deaf in both ears, although hearing aids helped his condition.
Inspired by rhythm singers like Kay Starr, LaVern Baker and Ivory Joe Hunter, Ray developed a unique rhythm-based singing style, described as alternating between pre-rock R&B and a more conventional classic pop approach. He began singing professionally on a Portland, Oregon, radio station at age 15.
Ray's first record, the self-penned R&B number for Okeh Records, "Whiskey and Gin," was a minor hit in 1951.
The following year he dominated the charts with the double-sided hit single of "Cry" and "The Little White Cloud That Cried." Selling over two million copies of the 78rpm single.
On February 24, 1990, he died of hepatic encephalopathy resulting from liver failure at Cedars-Sinai. He is buried at Hopewell Cemetery near Hopewell, Oregon.

Johnnie Ray Songs

* Cry (1952)
* Little White Cloud that Cried (1952)
* Please Mr Sun (1952)

* Walking My Baby Back Home (1952)

* Just Walking in the Rain (1956)

More about Johnnie Ray

Johnnie Ray posed for studio portrait wearing a hearing aid in 1950.

Johnnie Ray with actress Jane Powell try the popcorn at a party thrown by actress and figure skater Sonja Henie in 1950.

Johnny Ray smiling and posing with his wife Marilyn Morrison as they board an airplane in 1952.

Johnnie Ray and his recent wife, putting up a front as they face a group of welcomers under the circus tent on 1st October 1952

Johnnie Ray with Marilyn Monroe during in their movie "There's No Business Like Show Business" on June 3, 1954.

Johnnie Ray being kissed by adoring fans in London in 1955.

Johnnie Ray with Nat "King" Cole and Pittsburgh Courier reporter Billy Rowe in 1955.

Johnny Ray lounges in the sun on June 1, 1955.

Queen Elizabeth II meets Johnnie Ray at the Royal Command Variety Performance at the Victoria Palace, London on November 8, 1955.

Johnnie Ray is practicing a dance routine with Shani Wallis at the British Folk Dance Society in Regent's Park, London, for his soon to be broadcast British television program 'The Johnnie Ray Show' on 21st August 1957.