Raymond Hill (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Raymond Hill
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Hill as a member of the Kings of Rhythm (1956)
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 29, 1933 Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | April 16, 1996 (aged 62) |
| Genres | Blues, R&B |
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| Instruments | Saxophone |
| Years active | 1951–1980 |
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Raymond Earl Hill (born April 29, 1933 – died April 16, 1996) was an American tenor saxophonist and singer. He was best known for being a member of Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm band in the 1950s. Raymond also recorded his own songs for Sun Records and worked as a musician for other artists.
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Raymond Hill's Early Life and Music
Raymond Hill was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. His parents, Henry and Ollie Mae Hill, ran cafes in Clarksdale. They also had a place north of Lyon where Delta blues musicians played. Famous artists like Sonny Boy Williamson performed there. Raymond learned to play the saxophone by listening to a guitarist named Houston Stackhouse. Houston would strum chords, and Raymond would find the matching notes on his saxophone.
Joining the Kings of Rhythm
In the late 1940s, Raymond Hill joined Ike Turner's band. First, he played in the larger Tophatters big band. Then, he joined the smaller Kings of Rhythm. Raymond was the main tenor saxophone player for the band's first recording sessions. These took place at Sam Phillips' Memphis Recording Service in March 1951.
Recording "Rocket 88"
These sessions created the famous R&B song "Rocket 88." The song was officially credited to the band's saxophonist and singer, Jackie Brenston. Raymond Hill, who was only 17 years old, played a solo in the song. You can hear Jackie Brenston shout, "blow your horn, Raymond, blow!" This song became a number-one hit on the Billboard R&B chart. Many people say "Rocket 88" was one of the very first rock and roll songs.
Raymond's Solo Work and Other Projects
Raymond Hill left Ike Turner's band shortly after "Rocket 88" became popular. He continued to play on some of Ike Turner's later recordings. Raymond also worked as a session musician at Sun Records. This meant he played saxophone for other artists. He backed musicians like Howlin' Wolf and Little Junior Parker. Raymond played the tenor sax on Little Junior Parker's song "Mystery Train." He was also the main performer on the song "Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Part II)" by Jessie Hill. Jessie Hill, who was not related to Raymond, would shout, "Spread your fingers, Raymond!" during the song.
In October 1952, Raymond recorded songs with his own band, Raymond Hill and his Jump For Joy. He even released a single called "The Snuggle" / "Bourbon Street Jump" on the Sun label in 1954. Both of these songs were instrumentals, meaning they had no singing. Raymond's band became quite popular in Clarksdale. He also worked as a disc jockey at a radio station called WROX to help promote his band. The local newspaper even called him the chief of the hepcats, which meant he was a cool and popular musician.
Returning to the Kings of Rhythm
In 1955, Raymond Hill rejoined Ike Turner's band full-time. He moved to East St. Louis, where the band was now based. The Kings of Rhythm played in many nightclubs around the Greater St. Louis area. They became a very popular live act.
In 1957, Raymond started a family with the band's new singer, Ann Bullock. She later became famous as Tina Turner. Raymond and Ann had a son named Raymond Craig. He was born on August 20, 1958. Later, Ike Turner adopted Craig, and his name became Craig Raymond Turner. Before his son was born, Raymond Hill broke his ankle. He then left the band and moved back to Clarksdale.
Raymond Hill also toured with blues legend Albert King in the 1960s. In 1979, he recorded two songs, "Going Down" and "Cotton Fields - Boss Man," with his wife Lillie Hill. These songs were released in 1980 by the High Water Recording Company. After this, Raymond left the music business.
Later Life and Passing
Raymond Hill passed away on April 16, 1996, in Clarksdale. He was 62 years old. The cause was congestive heart failure. He was remembered by his family, including his daughter Cathy Mitchell and his sons Craig Turner and Raymond Hill.
