In 1951, a Disc Jockey named Robin Seymour caught the show. He brought the head of Columbia Records, Danny Kessler to hear Johnnie Ray sing. He was signed to Okra Records, a parent company to Columbia Records. Johnnie's release was "Whiskey and Gin" written by Johnnie Ray. It was a Rhythm and Blues number.
Johnnie was then switched to Columbia Records, with a two sided hit, "Cry" and "The Little White Cloud That Cried." The record was produced by none other then (Sing along with) Mitch Miller. Johnnie's backup singers were The Four Lads. This double sided hit record sold Thirty-Five Million copies.
Johnnie sang on Ed Sullivan's "Toast Of The Town" during the show, Johnnie had problems with his hearing aid. He became frustrated during this appearance when the use of his hearing device demanded his constant adjustment.
Johnnie took a bad situation and turned it around. He used that night's earnings, $1,000 and established The Ray Foundation in February of 1953. This organization helps the deaf.
Later in Johnnie's life, he had an operation to improve his hearing. However, this surgery, while removing a blockage, ended up costing Johnnie total deafness in his left ear.
Johnnie appeared in the Irving Berlin classic "There's No Business Like Show Business." He was part of a very impressive cast, Ethel Merman, Dan Dailey, Mitzi Gaynor, Donald O' Connor, and Marilyn Monroe.
The story involves a Vaudeville Family. Johnnie's character decides to leave the family act and become a Priest. The spiritual rendition of "If You Believe" is spectacular. He lights up the screen with his essence.
Johnnie moved once again, this time to England. He recorded "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" in 1958. He toured Australia and was a huge success there as well.
Johnnie's final two songs were, "Just Walking In The Rain" and "You Don't Owe Me A Thing," which were written by Frankie Lane. They sang a duet together. Johnnie had liver problems, which caused his untimely death in February 1990.
Sadly he is missed but not forgotten. Johnnie's fans are planning a large Celebration in his honor, "The Johnnie Ray Remembrance Tour." which will be held in London, England on August 6th and 7th, 2000. The English Coordinator, Ann Lawler told me they are expecting a large group of attendees.
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