Ray Watts (singer)

Ray "Beshara" Watts (26 January 1957 – 12 February 2000) was a singer and songwriter born on the island of Guadeloupe and who lived in Birmingham, England. He was also the lead singer, principal songwriter and a core-founding member of the British reggae band Beshara.[1] As part of Beshara, Watts had success in the UK reggae charts and supported many artists, whilst making several television appearances.[2][3][4]

Ray Watts
Ray Watts performing with Beshara, 1985
Ray Watts performing with Beshara, 1985
Background information
Also known asRay Beshara, Ray (Beshara) Watts
Born(1957-01-26)26 January 1957
Guadeloupe
Died12 February 2000(2000-02-12) (aged 43)
GenresReggae, lovers rock, roots reggae, soul, dance
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, bass
Years active1976–2000
LabelsCelmaw Records
Websitewww.besharamusic.com

Solo career
Ray Watts (in the middle of the back row) as part of the band Beshara in 1983

Watts began his solo career in the early 1990s and worked with many different record producers. During that time, he travelled to America and worked with the Inner City record producer, Kevin Saunderson. These recordings are yet to be released. He also performed guitar on the Inner City single "Till We Meet Again (Reese in Rio Mix)".

Watts then featured on the recordings "Gotta Be a Change" and "United We Stand" with Pato Banton whilst supporting or sharing the stage with artists such as Pato Banton, China Black, CJ Lewis and Adeva.

Death

Watts died in 2000. He was well known and respected within the Birmingham music scene.[5] In 2001, the ex-Beshara band members arranged a memorial tribute concert for Watts at the Irish Centre, Birmingham. Steel Pulse and Beshara along with many other artists from Birmingham, performed at the concert.[5] In the same year, Pato Banton's album Life Is Miracle, which featured a song written by and featuring Watts called "United We Stand", received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.[6][7] The song has also featured on the Pato Banton albums Universal Love and Time Come (Brazil Version).[8]

Discography
  • Ray (Beshara) Watts – "Shadow of Love (92 Mix)" (1992), Klassic Records
  • Ray Beshara – "Bring Back the Love" (1993), Pharoah Records

References
  1. "Reggae, steady and rarin' to go", Daily News, 9 January 1985, p. 12
  2. "Rockers Roadshow", TV Times, 16 December 1983,
  5. "Ray Watts Memorial", Enterprise, February 2001, p. 4
  6. "CNN.com - Entertainment - 43rd Grammy Awards - February 21, 2001". Archived from the original on 6 November 2008. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  7. "Online Reggae Music Store And Reggae Records Distributor". Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  8. "Universal Love - Pato Banton | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
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