Ray L. Kennedy

Ray wrote hundreds of memorable songs during his career including the Beach Boys smash-hit “Sail On Sailor” and “Isn’t It Time” for the British group The Babys. His musical style was unusually broad, spanning pop, rock, jazz, country, and funk.

Fans around the world called him Raymantic, Brother Ray or Baby Ray. Some called him Sailor or Sunshine. All these monikers reflected his youthful and loving spirit. Ray’s songs often were about healing or redemption.

“Baby Ray” was born November 26, 1946 in Philadelphia PA. A musical prodigy with a burning ambition to perform, Ray lied about his age at 15 when he left home and landed his first gig playing saxophone for music legend Gerry Mulligan. Over the next few years he played with Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Brenda Lee, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding.

It was Otis Redding who told Ray, “You should put that horn down and go sing.”

In his 20s, Ray wrote and toured with famed guitarists Jeff Beck and Dave Mason. He also was a member of the “super-group” KGB with Barry Goldberg and Michael Bloomfield. During this time he penned with Brian Wilson his greatest hit, “Sail On Sailor”, which the Beach Boys included on their album Holland.

In later years, Ray wrote for Fleetwood Mac, toured with guitarist Michael Schenker, and worked with Engelbert Humperdinck and Wayne Newton.

Friends and fans say Ray had an extraordinary way of connecting with everyone he met. Famous musicians, eager followers, and strangers on the street all received the same attention. “When he told you he loved you, you believed him,” said one close friend.

Active to the last, Ray was working on a television series and starting a guitar company when he passed away unexpectedly.

Ray Kennedy is survived by his fiancée and best friend Lisa Lim, his mother Jean Rae Kennedy, his sister Linda Kennedy, dozens of extended family members, and thousands of beloved friends and fans all over the world.

A public memorial service is being planned for the near future. A small private service for family and close friends will take place March 1.