1. A rock musician fr… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two artists which use this name
1. A rock musician from England
2. A trumpet player
1. Sir Ray Davies (born June 21, 1944 at Fortis Green, London, full name Raymond Douglas Davies) is an influential English rock musician, best known as lead singer-songwriter for The Kinks - one of the most influential, prolific and long-lived British Invasion bands - which he led with his younger brother, Dave Davies. He has also acted, directed and produced shows for theater and television.
In 1985, he released his first solo album Return to Waterloo, which accompanied a television film he wrote and directed. Since the demise of The Kinks in the mid-90s Ray Davies has embarked on a critically successful solo career. In 1998, he released The Storyteller. His 2006 release Other People's Lives was his first top 30 hit in the UK since 1980s, when he worked with The Kinks. He released his fourth solo release Working Man's Café in 2007. Ten years later in 2017, he was knighted for services to the arts. In the same year, he released his next solo album Americana, which peaked at No. 15 in the UK. Its sequel, Our Country: Americana Act 2, was released in 2018.
2. Ray Davies is a trumpeter and film composer.
INTRODUCTION
Ray Davies Lyrics
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I'm talking about the last century because hundred years ago. That was the time when Great Britain had an empire. And it's crucial to our story this evening. You see, hundred years ago there was a queen on the throne of England. Her name was Victoria.
Now I want ev'rybody clap your hands. Let's hear clap your hands. Let's go, yeah.
In Ray Davies's song Introduction, the singer sets the stage for the song by announcing that he will be reading from the black book of X-Ray. This book is said to contain the tormented rantings of a sex-crazed rock 'n roller, suggesting that the song will be about the darker side of fame and the music industry. The singer then asks the audience to imagine that it is the beginning of a new century, specifically the last century, which refers to the turn of the 20th century when Great Britain had an empire. This is important to the story he is about to tell because a hundred years ago, Queen Victoria was on the throne of England.
By mentioning Queen Victoria, the singer is drawing attention to the fact that the world has changed dramatically since then, and the glory days of the British Empire are long gone. In addition, the singer's call to get the audience to clap their hands and go along with the performance is a nod to the rock 'n roll culture that emerged in the 20th century. By juxtaposing the past with the present, the singer is highlighting how much things have changed and is hinting that the song's lyrics will be a commentary on the turbulent nature of modern times.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight I'm going to read from the black book, the black book of X-Ray, the tormented rantings of a sex-crazed rock 'n roller.
This evening, I will be sharing excerpts from the personal diary of X-Ray, a musician consumed by sex and rock 'n roll.
I want you to imagine that's it's the beginning of a new century. Not the next century because that's too predictable.
Picture a new century, not the next one, since that's too obvious and cliche.
I'm talking about the last century because hundred years ago. That was the time when Great Britain had an empire. And it's crucial to our story this evening. You see, hundred years ago there was a queen on the throne of England. Her name was Victoria.
I'm referring to the one that ended a hundred years ago, which was when Great Britain possessed colonies, and this historical context is pertinent to tonight's tale. It was during that era that Queen Victoria reigned in England.
Now I want ev'rybody clap your hands. Let's hear clap your hands. Let's go, yeah.
Finally, I request that everyone should applaud by clapping their hands, and let's hear it loud and proud.
Contributed by Adalyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
All Bottled Up
Ray Davies is a genius and the Kinks are one of the greatest, most beautiful bands ever. Kinks, Small Faces, Neil Young. Nothing’ll ever top them for me!
Max McKinley
The greatest British songwriter. Certainly the most British. Genius!❤❤❤🐐
Mr. Lance E Sloan
I feel sorry for the people (currently two) who gave this video a thumbs down. Life must be sad for those people who can't enjoy this.
The Good
Exactly. One of the greatest songwriters of all time, who actually was prepared to do this show, and who wanted to do it.
scott carter
Ray Davies - A Living Legend , a BRILLIANT talent!
Michael Laverty
I’ve been aware of the Kinks for decades. I don’t think I ever took them very serious. I’m going back over their catalog recently and my god so many great songs. I love the fact that they stayed British. Rock on Ray and Dave.
JohnnyArt Pavlou
Right, that’s how I was with the Beach Boys.
David T
Saw Ray perform his Storyteller show in 1997 and again in 1998 at the same venue in Vancouver. Absolutely wonderful.
Antonio Morán
What can I say, friends? I was in his Story Teller show in Madrid, in 2000... previusly that evening I could talk to him at the hotel hall for some minutes. He told us new Kinks Lp for 2001... but al last it could not be. Years before, in may 1986, being a teenager, some friends could enjoy with the Kinks super-crowded concert in Madrid: more than 80.000 people!!! Ray and Dave were delighted.
Ray Davies is an absolute genius. Perhaps because of his way of being and some fatal facts (like the 1965-1969 prohibition to perform in USA... or his bone fracture when Live Aid concert in 1985) does not enjoy te popularity that he and The Kinks deserve. Insn't it a pity?
Maxim Simon
Ray Davies, absolute class!!