James Ray (singer) facts for kids

James Ray was an American R&B and soul singer. He was born James Jay Raymond in 1941. He became famous in the early 1960s. His biggest hit song was "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody". This song reached number 10 on the US R&B music charts. It also reached number 22 on the main pop chart in 1962. James Ray also recorded the first version of "Got My Mind Set on You". This song later became a huge number-one hit for George Harrison.

About James Ray

James Ray was born in Washington, D.C. in 1941. He went to McKinley High School. By 1959, he had moved to New York City. He was quite short, standing only 5 feet tall.

Early Music Career

James Ray first recorded music as Little Jimmy Ray. In 1959, he released a song called "Make Her Mine." This song was not very successful. By 1961, he was struggling and living on a rooftop. But he still performed in music clubs.

A songwriter named Rudy Clark became his friend. Gerry Granahan of Caprice Records heard James Ray practicing one of Clark's songs. Granahan was impressed and signed him to a record deal.

Becoming a Star

Using the name James Ray, his first recording was "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody." Rudy Clark wrote this song. It became a big hit on both the pop and R&B music charts.

The song was also released in the United Kingdom in 1962. The Beatles even performed this song live. Later, Freddie and the Dreamers recorded it. Their version reached the top 5 in the UK.

In July 1962, James Ray released his first album. It was called James Ray. This album included his next hit song, "Itty Bitty Pieces." That song reached number 41 on the Billboard pop chart. The album also featured "Got My Mind Set on You," another song written by Rudy Clark.

Later Recordings and Passing

The Caprice record label closed down in early 1963. James Ray then signed with the Congress label. This label released four more songs by Ray. Rudy Clark wrote two of these songs. However, none of them became big hits. James Ray passed away in 1963 when he was only 22 years old.

Songs Covered by Other Artists

James Ray's music influenced many other famous musicians. His songs were covered by popular artists.

• The Beatles started performing "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" live. Paul McCartney loved the song's unique R&B style. It had a special sound with a harmonica and tuba.
• George Harrison bought James Ray's album in 1963. Over 20 years later, he recorded "Got My Mind Set On You." His version became a number 1 hit in early 1988.
• John Lennon owned a special jukebox. He included "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" on it. The songs from his jukebox were later released as an album.
• In 1967, Maxine Brown released her own version of "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody."
• Ronnie Wood, a guitarist for Faces and The Rolling Stones, also covered "If You Got to Make a Fool of Somebody." He put it on his first solo album in 1974.