Ray Watts (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ray Watts
|
|
|---|---|
Ray Watts performing with Beshara, 1985
|
|
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Ray Beshara, Ray (Beshara) Watts |
| Born | 26 January 1957 Guadeloupe |
| Died | 12 February 2000 (aged 43) |
| Genres | Reggae, lovers rock, roots reggae, soul, dance |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, bass |
| Years active | 1976–2000 |
| Labels | Celmaw Records |
| Associated acts | Beshara,The Wattever Project, Pato Banton, Reggae Revolution |
Ray "Beshara" Watts was a talented singer and songwriter. He was born on January 26, 1957, in Guadeloupe, an island in the Caribbean. Later, he lived in Birmingham, England. Ray was a very important part of the British reggae band Beshara. He was their lead singer, wrote most of their songs, and helped start the band. With Beshara, Ray had many hit songs on the UK reggae music charts. He also performed with many other artists and appeared on television shows.
Ray Watts' Solo Music Career
Ray Watts started making music on his own in the early 1990s. He worked with many different music producers. During this time, he traveled to America. There, he worked with Kevin Saunderson, a producer from the band Inner City. The songs they recorded together have not been released yet. Ray also played guitar on Inner City's song "Till We Meet Again (Reese in Rio Mix)."
Later, Ray sang on songs like "Gotta Be a Change" and "United We Stand" with the artist Pato Banton. He also performed on stage with other famous musicians. These included Pato Banton, China Black, CJ Lewis, and Adeva.
Remembering Ray Watts
Ray Watts passed away in 2000. He was very well-known and respected in the Birmingham music world. In 2001, the former members of the Beshara band organized a special concert. This concert was held in Birmingham to remember Ray. Many artists from Birmingham performed, including Steel Pulse and Beshara.
In the same year, Pato Banton's album Life Is Miracle was nominated for a Grammy. A Grammy is a very important music award. This album included a song called "United We Stand," which Ray Watts helped write and sang on. The song "United We Stand" also appeared on Pato Banton's other albums, Universal Love and Time Come (Brazil Version).
Ray Watts' Recorded Songs
Here are some of the songs Ray Watts released:
- Ray (Beshara) Watts – "Shadow of Love (92 Mix)" (1992), Klassic Records
- Ray Beshara – "Bring Back the Love" (1993), Pharoah Records
