Ray Evans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ray Evans
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Raymond Bernard Evans |
| Born | February 4, 1915 Salamanca, New York, United States |
| Died | February 15, 2007 (aged 92) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Lyricist |
Raymond Bernard Evans (born February 4, 1915 – died February 15, 2007) was a famous American songwriter. He worked with his partner, Jay Livingston, to create many songs for movies. Ray Evans wrote the words (lyrics), and Jay Livingston wrote the music.
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The Early Life of Ray Evans
Ray Evans grew up in Salamanca, New York. He was a very smart student and played the clarinet in his high school band. He even gave funny and clever talks! After high school, he studied economics at the University of Pennsylvania.
While at college, Ray met Jay Livingston. They played music together in their university's dance band, "The Continentals." They even traveled on international cruises during school breaks. After finishing college, they decided to work together as a songwriting team.
Becoming Famous Songwriters
Ray and Jay moved to Hollywood to follow their dream. Their first big chance came in 1939 when they wrote a song called "G'Bye Now" for a Broadway show. In 1946, they signed a contract with Paramount Pictures, a big movie studio.
Their songs quickly became very popular. In 1946, their song "To Each His Own" was a huge hit, reaching number one on the music charts for many different artists.
They continued to write amazing songs:
- "Buttons and Bows" (1947) was written for the movie The Paleface. This song won them their first Oscar for Best Song!
- "Mona Lisa" (1949) was another big success, written for the movie Captain Carey, U.S.A.. It sold millions of copies for singer Nat King Cole and earned them a second Oscar.
More Hit Songs and Awards
Ray Evans and Jay Livingston won their third Oscar for the song "Que Sera Sera" in 1956. This song was featured in the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Man Who Knew Too Much and sung by the famous Doris Day.
They also wrote "Tammy" for the 1957 movie Tammy and the Bachelor, which was also nominated for an Oscar.
Besides movies, they created popular TV show theme songs, like for Bonanza and Mr. Ed. Their Christmas song "Silver Bells" from the 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid has become a holiday favorite.
Ray Evans even appeared as himself with Jay Livingston in the movie Sunset Boulevard.
In 1958, their musical Oh, Captain! was nominated for a Tony Award. Ray Evans also worked with other talented musicians like Henry Mancini and Michael Feinstein. The song "Dear Heart" (1964) was written with Henry Mancini and was nominated for an Oscar and a Grammy Award.
Ray Evans' Legacy
Ray Evans is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which means his work is recognized as very important in music history. He and Jay Livingston also have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ray Evans passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 92. He was married for almost 56 years to Wyn Ritchie Evans. His work and memory are kept alive by the Ray and Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation. There is even a theater named after him in his hometown, the Ray Evans Seneca Theater in Salamanca, New York.
Ray Evans wrote over 700 songs for movies, stage shows, and television, mostly with his partner Jay Livingston. Some of his most famous songs include:
- "To Each His Own"
- "Buttons and Bows"
- "Mona Lisa"
- "Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)"
- "Tammy"
- "Silver Bells"
- "Dear Heart"
- Theme songs for TV shows like Bonanza and Mr. Ed.
See also
In Spanish: Ray Evans para niños
