Ska and 2 Tone Legend Ray King Dies at 84
Ray King, a prominent figure in the ska and 2 Tone music scenes, has passed away. Born Vibert Cornwall in St Vincent and the Grenadines, King moved to the UK in 1961, initially residing in Northampton before relocating to Coventry. He founded the Ray King Soul Band, which debuted at The Walsgrave Club. The group earned a coveted six-month residency at the Playboy Club in London, often sharing the stage with music legends. His vibrant stage presence drew comparisons to James Brown. King's musical impact is evident in the works of artists from The Specials and The Selecter. In 2012, he received recognition in Coventry’s 2 Tone village.
Key facts
- Ray King, born Vibert Cornwall in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has died.
- He moved to the UK in 1961, first to Northampton, then to Coventry in 1963.
- He formed the Ray King Soul Band, whose first gig was at The Walsgrave Club in Coventry.
- The band had a six-month residency at the Playboy Club in London.
- Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney occasionally performed with the band.
- Pete Chambers compared King's stage presence to James Brown.
- King influenced Lynval Golding, Jerry Dammers, Charley Anderson, and Neol Davies.
- In 2012, he received a plaque on the Wall of Fame at 2 Tone village in Coventry.
Entities
Artists
- Ray King
- Vibert Cornwall
- James Brown
- Sam Cooke
- Nat King Cole
- Elvis Presley
- Pat Boone
- Doris Day
- Jimi Hendrix
- Paul McCartney
- Lynval Golding
- Jerry Dammers
- Charley Anderson
- Neol Davies
Institutions
- Coventry Music Museum
- Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
- BBC CWR
- The Specials
- The Selecter
- Playboy Club
Locations
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- United Kingdom
- Northampton
- Coventry
- London
- 2 Tone village
- Coventry Music Museum
- The Walsgrave Club