Tributes have been paid to Ray King, a highly influential soul singer in the ska and 2 Tone music genres. King, born Vibert Cornwall in St Vincent and the Grenadines, moved to the UK in 1961 and settled in Coventry, where he formed the Ray King Soul Band and began performing throughout the city.
The band's reputation for professionalism and popularity led to a six-month residency at the Playboy Club in London, where they shared the stage with notable artists such as Jimmy Hendrix and Paul McCartney. King's influence can be seen in artists such as Lynval Golding, one of the founders of The Specials, who credited him as a key figure in the 2 Tone movement.
King was honoured with a plaque on the Wall of Fame at 2 Tone village in Coventry, recognising his role in bringing musicians together to form bands that would become household names. Pete Chambers, the founder of the Coventry Music Museum, remembered King as a 'prime Coventry musician who did so much and cared so much about his home city', and his legacy continues to be felt throughout the music scene in Coventry.
King's music career spanned multiple genres, including soul, jazz, and ska, and his influences ranged from Sam Cooke to Elvis Presley. He will be remembered for his dedication to his craft and his contributions to the music scene in Coventry.