Remembering Ray King: The Soul Legend Who Shaped Ska and 2 Tone

Ray King, whose real name was Vibert Cornwall, was a legendary figure in the ska and 2 Tone music scenes. After being born in St Vincent and the Grenadines, he moved to the UK in 1961, first living in Northampton before settling in Coventry two years later. He was drawn to Coventry because he heard it was the place to be for anyone who wanted to become a singer. Once there, he quickly became a key part of the local music scene.

Ray King formed the Ray King Soul Band, which became very popular in Coventry. Their first performance was at The Walsgrave Club, and their reputation for professionalism and great music quickly grew. The band became so well-known that they were invited to play at the Playboy Club in London for six months. During their time there, famous musicians like Jimmy Hendrix and Paul McCartney would sometimes join them on stage. Ray King was known for his amazing stage presence, which some people compared to James Brown. He could control the audience with just a look or a small movement.

Ray King influenced many other musicians, including Lynval Golding, who went on to help form The Specials. Golding said that Ray King was the foundation for many musicians and that they learned a lot from him. Ray King also helped bring together other musicians who would later start bands like The Selecter. In 2012, he was honored with a plaque on the Wall of Fame at 2 Tone village in Coventry, which is part of the Coventry Music Museum. This was to recognize his important role in bringing musicians together and shaping the city's music scene. People in Coventry say that Ray King's legacy can still be felt in the city's music today, and he is remembered as someone who cared deeply about his home and the people around him.