“Johnnie Ray” is the latest episode from “Oregon Experience,” an original OPB series that explores Oregon’s past and helps to provide a deeper understanding of the historical, social and political fabric of the state and region. In fact, one of his last concerts was a fundraiser in Salem in October of 1989. He continued to perform until his death in 1990. Though he faded from the limelight, Ray still maintained loyal fans. His star began to dim though, as Elvis and other bold new acts dominated radio airwaves. His concerts drew thousands of fans, with record-breaking performances. Throughout the 1950s, Ray made numerous TV performances and, for a time, hosted his own show in the United Kingdom. In 1952, four of his songs made Billboard’s 30 top-selling records for the year. It was an overnight hit and shot to the top of the Billboard record charts for both Pop and R&B sales, earning him a gold record and millions of fans. His next release, “Cry,” changed everything. His first recording featured two of his original songs written when he was just a teenager in Oregon, “Tell the Lady I Said Goodbye” and “Whiskey and Gin.” Both became regional favorites with local disc jockeys. He spent his twenties playing in clubs in Detroit and landed a contract with the Columbia subsidiary Okeh Records. Through the 1940s, he sang in local war bond drives, played for tips in regional bars, and spent time writing his own music. Ray began his professional singing career as a teenager on the Portland radio show “Stars of Tomorrow” with fellow Oregonian Jane Powell. It has been said of Ray that musically, he’s considered the link between Sinatra and Elvis and that’s because he brought a rhythm and blues feeling to pop music. He combined a wailing, bluesy sound with emotional, full-body performances. Hard of hearing from a young age, Ray was a pioneer for the Deaf community while helping usher in the age of rock and roll. His unique sound and performance style thrilled audiences. “ Johnnie Ray” is available to watch online now and it airs on OPB TV on October 24 at 9 p.m.īorn near Dallas, Oregon in 1927, Ray was once arguably one of the biggest pop stars in the world. OPB, a member-supported public media organization serving the Northwest, today announced the premiere of a new documentary about Johnnie Ray, an Oregon-born singer, songwriter and 1950s teen idol.

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