Ray Davies

For other people named Ray Davies, see Ray Davies (disambiguation).

Sir
Ray Davies
CBE
Davies performing in 1977
Davies performing in 1977
Background information
Birth nameRaymond Douglas Davies
Also known asGodfather of Britpop
Born (1944-06-21) 21 June 1944 (age 80)
London, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • harmonica
  • keyboards
Years active1960–present
Formerly ofThe Kinks
Websiteraydavies.info

Sir Raymond Douglas Davies CBE (/ˈdeɪvɪz/ DAY-viz;[1][2] born 21 June 1944) is an English musician. He was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and primary songwriter for the rock band the Kinks, which he led with his younger brother Dave on lead guitar and backing vocals. He has also acted in, directed and produced shows for theatre and television. Known for focusing his lyrics on rock bands, English culture, nostalgia and social satire, he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Britpop",[3] though he disputes this title.[4] He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Kinks in 1990. After the dissolution of the Kinks in 1996, he embarked on a solo career.

  1. ^ "Ray Davies". The Leonard Lopate Show. 9 November 2009. Event occurs at 1:32–1:40. Retrieved 23 December 2009. "[Davies:] Think of it as 'viz', v-i-z".
  2. ^ Mendelsohn, John (19 December 1969). "Kinks". Los Angeles Free Press. Vol. 6, no. 283. p. 38. Ray Davies (pronounced his last name, by the way, as if it had no 'e') ...
  3. ^ Hasted, Nick (2017). You Really Got Me: The Story of The Kinks. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-991-8.
  4. ^ "Ray Davies: 'I'm not the godfather of Britpop … more a concerned uncle'". the Guardian. 16 July 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2021.