Ray was born in Hopewell, Oregon, spending part of his childhood on a farm, eventually moving to Portland, Oregon. Ray was of Native American origin; his great-grandmother was a full-blooded Native American and his great-grandfather was Oregon pioneer George Kirby Gay of Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England. He became deaf in his right ear at age 13 after an accident during a Boy Scout event. It was his participation in the "blanket toss," a sort of variation of the trampoline, that traumatized the youngster's inner ear. Ray later performed wearing a hearing aid. Surgery performed in New York in 1958 left him almost completely deaf in both ears, although hearing aids helped his condition.
Career
Ray first attracted attention while performing at the Flame Showbar in Detroit, Michigan, an R&B nightclub. Inspired by rhythm singers like Kay Starr, LaVern Baker and Ivory Joe Hunter, Ray developed a unique rhythm based style, described as alternating between pre-rock R&B and a more conventional classic pop approach.
His first record, the self-penned R&B number for OKeh Records, "Whiskey and Gin", was a minor hit in 1951. The following year he dominated the charts with the double-sided hit single of "Cry" and "The Little White Cloud That Cried". Selling over two million copies of the 45 single, Ray's delivery struck a chord with teenagers and he quickly became a teen idol.
Ray's performing style included theatrics later associated with rock 'n roll, including beating up his piano, writhing on the floor and crying. Ray quickly earned the nicknames, "Mr. Emotion", "The Nabob of Sob", and "The Prince of Wails", and several others.
More hits followed, including "Please Mr. Sun", "Such a Night", "Walkin' My Baby Back Home", "A Sinner Am I", and "Yes Tonight Josephine". His last hit was "Just Walkin' in the Rain", in 1956. He did, however, hit again in 1957 with "You Don't Owe Me a Thing", which reached #10 in the Billboard charts. He was popular in the United Kingdom, breaking the record at the London Palladium formerly set by Frankie Laine.[citation needed] In later years, he retained a loyal fan base overseas, particularly in Australia.
Later career influences
Ray had a close relationship with journalist and television game show panelist Dorothy Kilgallen who gave a boost to his sagging career during his engagement at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965.
In early 1969, Ray befriended Judy Garland, performing as her opening act during her last concerts in Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmo, Sweden. Ray was also the best man during Garland's wedding to nightclub manager Mickey Deans in London.[4]
Ray's American career revived in the early 1970s, with appearances on The Andy Williams Show in 1970 and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson three times during 1972 and 1973. His personal manager Bill Franklin resigned in 1976 and cut off contact with the singer a few years later. His American revival turned out to be shortlived. He performed in small American venues such as El Camino College in 1987. Australian, English and Scottish promoters booked him for their large venues as late as 1989, his last year of performing.
Some writers suggested that the reason American entertainment bookers and songwriters ignored him in the 1980s was because they simply did not know who he was, or what his sound was like. His exposure during the new era of cable television was limited to a few seconds in Dexys Midnight Runners' 1982 music video for "Come On Eileen", using archival footage of Ray from 1954. He was name checked in the lyrics to "Come On Eileen" (viz "Poor old Johnnie Ray sounded sad upon the radio / he moved a million hearts in mono").
His other video appearance was in Billy Idol's 1986 "Don't Need a Gun", in which Ray appeared on-camera.
Hernando's Hideaway
Johnnie Ray Lyrics
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The lyrics to Johnnie Ray's song Hernando's Hideaway offer a glimpse into a secret, alluring location where one can escape the mundanity of everyday life. The song portrays a dark and secluded place where anonymity reigns, and one can indulge in a glass of wine and a fast embrace without fear of judgment. The repeated use of "Ole!" adds to the seductive atmosphere, and the reference to castanets evokes images of passionate Spanish dance.
The song's narrative suggests that the location is well-known among some circles, but it is not a place where everyone goes. Instead, it is a spot that only a few select people are privy to, which only adds to the intrigue. The lyrics also suggest that those who visit Hernando's Hideaway are free to express their love and affection with a sense of freedom that they cannot experience elsewhere. The repeated chorus of "Just knock three times and whisper low, That you and I were sent by Joe, Then strike a match, and you will know You're in Hernando's Hideaway," highlights the secretive atmosphere and lends the song a playful sense of adventure.
Overall, the lyrics to Hernando's Hideaway convey a sense of escapism and adventure, offering audiences a glimpse into a world that is hidden from plain sight.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a dark secluded place.
I am aware of a shadowy and isolated location.
A place where no one knows your face.
A place where your identity will remain unknown.
A glass of wine, a fast embrace.
A quick and passionate hug with a drink in hand.
ItÆs called HernandoÆs Hideaway. Ole!
This establishment is known as Hernando's Hideaway.
All youÆll see are silhouettes.
Only the outlines of people will be visible.
And all youÆll hear are castanets.
The only sound you'll hear are the clacks from castanets.
And no one cares how late it gets.
There is no concern for time when you're at Hernando's Hideaway.
Not at HernandoÆs Hideaway. Ole!
There is no notion of time at Hernando's Hideaway.
At the Golden Fingerbowl or any place you go
Regardless of where you visit, specifically at the Golden Fingerbowl,
You will meet your Uncle Max and everyone you know,
You'll encounter people you know, including Uncle Max.
But if youÆll go to the spot that I am thinkinÆ of,
However, if you visit the location I am thinking of,
You will be free to gaze at me and talk of love.
Here, we will be able to openly gaze at each other and talk about love.
Just knock thee times and whisper low
Simply knock on the entrance thrice and speak quietly.
That you and I were sent by Joe,
Inform them that Joe sent the two of us.
Then strike a match and you will know
Finally, light a match and you'll have gained access.
YouÆre in HernandoÆs Hideway. Ole!
Congratulations, you're now in Hernando's Hideaway!
Just knock three times and whisper low
Remember to knock on the entrance thrice and talk quietly.
That you and I were sent by Joe,
Reinforce the fact that Joe is responsible for sending us.
Then strike a match and you will know
Once you've ignited a match, you will know if you've gained entry or not.
YouÆre in HernandoÆs Hideaway.
You've finally made it inside Hernando's Hideaway!
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Ross, Richard Adler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bic Parker
My favorite version of this song!
Walter Haight
Never heard this version. Thanks for posting!
richard weller
Very unique voice. Wasn't he half deaf?
timmy841212
Half or partially deaf, yes.