Ray Perry

Who was Ray Perry?

Ray Perry was an American jazz violinist and saxophonist.

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. He performed more frequently on alto saxophone.

He worked bread and butter gigs with the best in the business, including Dean Earl, Clarence Carter, Blanche Calloway, and Lionel Hampton. Despite his short career, Ray Perry worked with many jazz artists, including:

Shadow Wilson

Illinois Jacquet

Vernon Alley

J. C. Heard

Joe Newman

Fred Beckett

Sabby Lewis

Sir Charles Thompson

Irving Ashby

Many of his records failed to gain a prominent 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.

Recently his music has enjoyed a renewed popularity, and his records are available on CDs.