Photo: Ray King | By Alec Blackman, BBC News | Tributes have been paid to Ray King, one of the most influential singers in the ska and 2 Tone music genres, following the announcement of his death. Born Vibert Cornwall in St Vincent and the Grenadines, he came to the UK in 1961 and arrived in Northampton, before moving to Coventry two years later, after being told it was the place to become a singer.
Pete Chambers, the founder of the Coventry Music Museum, said King had a stage presence “like James Brown”.
“He was the kind of guy who controlled the stage with just one look, one little movement of the arm or whatever. He was a real professional and such a lovely guy and an influential guy.”
In an interview with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in 2010, King said his musical influences as a young man and performer ranged from Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley to Pat Boone and Doris Day.
He formed the Ray King Soul Band and performed throughout Coventry, with their first gig at The Walsgrave Club in the city.
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/tributes-paid-to-influential-soul-singer-ray-king/
Photo: Ray King | From Magic Motown & Soul’s Facebook page | BBC News
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