Ray Perry
Ray Perry (February 25, 1915 – 1950) was an American jazz violinist and saxophonist.
Ray Perry | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 25, 1915 |
| Origin | United States |
| Died | 1950 (aged 34–35) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Violinist, saxophonist |
| Instrument(s) | Violin, saxophone |
Perry was born in 1915 to a musical family and began playing the violin at a young age, while his brothers Joe and Bay became a baritonist and drummer, respectively. Perry sang during his violin solos, inspiring Slam Stewart to continue the practice on bass. [1] He performed more frequently on alto saxophone.
He worked bread and butter gigs with the best in the business, including Dean Earl (1935), Clarence Carter (1937–39, not the R&B singer), Blanche Calloway (1940), and Lionel Hampton (1940–43). Despite his short career, Ray Perry worked with many jazz artists, including:
- Shadow Wilson
- Illinois Jacquet (1946–47, 1950)
- Vernon Alley
- J. C. Heard (1946)
- Joe Newman
- Fred Beckett
- Sabby Lewis (1948)
- Sir Charles Thompson
- Irving Ashby
Many of his records failed to gain a wide following, but he was very successful until poor health prevented him from touring. Two of Perry's albums remain popular - Jumpin' Jacquet and 50 Sublimes Chanteurs de Jazz. Some of his more famous songs are Flyin' Home, How High the Moon, Love is the Thing, Boog It, and I Want a Little Girl.