Carline Ray
American jazz musician and vocalist (1925–2013)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carline Ray (April 21, 1925 – July 18, 2013) was a jazz instrumentalist and vocalist. She was a member of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.
Early life and education
Carline Ray was born in Manhattan on April 21, 1925. Her father was Elisha Ray, a horn player.[1]
She entered Juilliard at age 16, graduating in 1946 after studying piano and composition. She earned a master's degree in voice from the Manhattan School of Music in 1956.[2]
Career
After graduation from Juilliard, Ray joined the International Sweethearts of Rhythm as a rhythm guitar player and vocalist.[3] After the Sweethearts disbanded, Ray played guitar and sang for Erskine Hawkins and later performed in a trio with fellow former Sweetheart Pauline Braddy.[1] She sang back up for Patti Page and Bobby Darrin, and she performed in choruses conducted by Leonard Bernstein.[3] She recorded with Mary Lou Williams and also worked with Skitch Henderson, Marian McPartland, and Sy Oliver.[4] In 1997, Ray formed the group Jazzberry Jam with pianist Bertha Hope and percussionist Paula Hampton.
She appears in the 2011 documentary film The Girls in the Band.[5] She released Vocal Sides, her first album as a lead singer, the year of her death. The album was produced by her daughter Catherine.[5]
Personal life
Ray married Luis Russell in 1956. Their daughter Catherine Russell is a jazz singer.[5]
Death
Awards
- Co-recipient of the first International Women In Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award, "A Living Legend" (1996)[9]
- Kennedy Center's Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival Award (2005)[5]
- International Women In Jazz Award (2008)[9]
