Lyrics | Artists | Johnnie Ray

Johnnie Ray

Although he was partially deaf, singer, songwriter, pianist Johnnie Ray became one of the most popular artists of the early 1950s and helped paved the way for what was to become rock and roll. Born in Dallas, Oregon on January 10, 1927, Johnnie Ray was heavily influenced by jazz artists and rhythm and blues artists as he grew up, By the time he was 15, he was performing in clubs in Portland, Oregon. His unique style – which blended the sweaty side of rhythm & blues and the bluesy swing of big band jazz – caught the attention of labels including Columbia Records. From the very beg...