Former Lead Singer Ray Lewis of The Legendary Group "The Drifters" Looks Back Over 60 Years of Music!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

Ray Lewis, one of the leading vocalist of the Doo-wop icons The Drifters, have influenced generations. Their smooth harmonies and melodious lines helped shape rhythm and blues in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite changing lineups, the band's music has never weakened. Throughout its history, it has maintained a high standard of quality. In an extensive career spanning over 60 years, The Drifters have produced many songs that are among the finest of all time. Their ballads and soulful tunes have touched fans around the globe. It was a pleasure talking to one of The Drifters' surviving members, Ray Lewis, whose voice can be heard in many songs, including Goes My First Love, You're More Than a Number in My Little Red Book, The Boardwalk, I've Got Sand in My Shoes, This Magic Moment, Up on The Roof, and more. I learned this from him.

Hi Ray, how are you? I'm good. 

Awesome. Alright, let’s get in there. OK.

OK, tell me, where did you grow up, and where do you reside? I reside in the UK but grew up between Alabama, Ohio, and California.

And how many years have you been in the UK? I came here for the first time about 40 years ago, I thought it was great and fell in love with the place. Then about 20 years later, I decided to move to the UK.

So, you've been in the UK for quite a while and have yet to lose your American accent? No, I didn't. I've lived in Egypt, Spain, and even Ukraine. Regardless of where I traveled, I've always maintained a base here in the UK. I lived in America for a while, but I eventually gave that up.

What made you move to the UK permanently? I met a young lady, got married, and had a family. I have two beautiful girls, and that's what anchored me.

Awesome! The UK is a beautiful place to raise children and have a family. Let’s dig a bit deeper into where things all began for you. Ray, how old were you when you started singing? I started singing in church at a Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, when I was about nine years old. That opened the doors to a lot of things. The music wasn't as important as the spiritual side. During that time, I was living in a foster home, and I was baptized, and my life took a dramatic turn for the better. At that time, I didn't have a clear understanding of my unique gift. The manifestation of my gifting, however, happened years later.

So, you grew up in a foster home? For a few years. Yes.

That's so cool. You have shown that even though a person grows up in a foster parenting environment, they can still succeed. You can.

Having grown up in a foster home, did you get the support to start singing professionally? That came years later. One day, I decided to leave because I had enough. So, I walked out and lived on the streets until I was 17. Then, at 17, I joined the Navy and spent four years there.

When I came out of the military, I went back to Cleveland for a short time. Then I was accepted as a government federal police Officer. 

At that time, something remarkable happened to me, I found my mother. That moment was monumental because I had not seen my mother since I was 13. I was so desperate to see her. I discovered that she was living in California. Later I moved from Clevland to California and attended a university there. 

Fantastic! There must have been a lot of joy and emotions involved during that period of your life. I am impressed by all the accomplishments you have made. In your military days, how did you express your love for music? I sang, and I had a small following. I was stationed in Mayport, Florida, just outside of Jacksonville, and when we docked, we would go to a club and participate in something like Karaoke but with the band. So, when people heard that I would be there, many came to listen.

The biggest thing for me was that I always loved listening to music, and I had a great appreciation for it. The only drawback was that I wasn’t vocally confident. Having felt like there were so many great singers, I wasn't sure if a professional career would be sustainable. I didn't think I could compete vocally on that level then. Therefore, I stayed in the background but remained passionate about music.

While on the Naval ship, I was in the electronics department. I brought in one of the first sound systems. So, during lunchtime, everybody from the captain to everyone in the electronics lounge listened to the music. In a nutshell, I was shy; therefore, although I loved music, I was reluctant to step out as a professional.  

Before you joined The Drifters, the group of which you became the lead singer was already established. What led you to that opportunity? In my case, it was a lottery win. I was in the right place at the right time. The good Lord was smiling down on me. It was in His plan for my life the entire time. Although I never felt like a great singer or entertainer, I feel as though the Lord just touched me.  

So, I came out of the military, went to Cleveland, and from Cleveland to California to be with my mother. And of course, I enrolled in a university, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do then. Then I thought of going into law enforcement; then I changed my mind because, at the time, many people were dissatisfied with law enforcement. Nevertheless, I decided to study design engineering, structural and electrical.  

At the same time, I maintained my love for music. One day, I found a fantastic deal on a 10-inch reel-to-reel, “TEAC.” Although expensive, I purchased one, brought it to my home, and recorded a few things.

The company offered a discount if I knew anyone interested in buying one. I became pretty good at selling them, and at one time, I sold one to a gentleman who was an actor. I would play my recording as a reference to demonstrate the quality of the reel-to-reel I was selling routinely.

So, this guy, after I played him, my music said to me, “Who's that singing on that track?” I told him that it was me. He said, “Really?” Then he said, “With a voice like that, why are you doing this?” 

Unlike him, an actor with a stable job, I have seen too many people in this industry who get minor roles and then work at car washes, restaurants, and other such places to make ends meet. It wasn't what I wanted for my life. I told him that I would continue my education. He responded that I should consider it further since he knew someone in the industry that he could send my music and that I should put together a resume and see what would happen. So, I did everything he requested, and I got a call.

When I received that call, my life took a completely different turn. This woman's powerful status made me nervous when she called me. She was positive and strong and liked my resume but disliked my beard. (laughs) But I will say this. When I met her in person, she was a dynamic woman. It amazed me how much she cared about me. She made it possible and is the reason I'm in the position I'm in today.

So, she decided to fly me to New York to meet me in person under one condition: that I shave my beard. Gina, I was 25 years old then, but it took me years to grow the hair on my face, and now she wanted me to cut it. Some parts and pieces of that beard hadn't grown, but I was waiting for them to come through. (laughs)  

Oh no! Yes. Gina, when I shaved my beard, I didn't recognize myself, and on top of that, I thought I looked like a baby. 

(Laughs) oh! That’s hilarious, Ray! Yes. Nonetheless, she got me a flight to New York as promised. One of the guys met me when I arrived, Willie “Bill” Pinkney, one of the original members of the Drifters. Sadly, he passed away, but when I met him that day at the airport, he looked like a star! I was in disbelief! My story sounds unbelievable, but that’s what happened.

After several interviews, I was hired. When the limo picked me up the next day, I assumed I was headed back to the airport, but they took me to the lady's house. I came in and was seated at a massive table with a guy at one end, the lady at the opposite end, and me in the center. Then I was told I got the job! She gave me a contract and told me to look at it. The lawyer that represented her also represented other major celebrities.  

And where was this? Her mansion was in Englewood, New Jersey.

The pressure of signing a contract hurriedly at such a young age must have been immense. Yes, but honestly, I didn't care what the contract said; I was signing that contract. She asked me if I had a lawyer, and I told her I didn't. Then, she asked me to get a lawyer, take the contract and have it looked over to ensure everything was ok. 

As I looked it over, I realized what my salary would be, and I almost hit the floor! I was delighted. But, overall, my music adventure has been excellent.  

 Tell me about your first performance with the group. My first performance with the group was In Maidstone, Kent. The event included press and artists only. All the agents were a unit back then. Collectively they were like an agent society, so you could only work somewhere if you went through this agency site. It was called an agent society. But I can remember being very nervous and worried. I was concerned about myself and the group because I was told a lot was riding on this show. Therefore, we had to deliver our most impressive performance. Therefore, the pressure was on!

Although they didn't expect me to be "Johnny Moore," they expected me to have something. For the lady to decide to hire a new face and take a risk like that, she had a plan in place. As a matter of fact, the fact that they didn't say anything negative about the group or me, the new member, proved her point. That’s how it all started. 

Who was in “The Drifters” when you first joined? It was Billy Lewis, Clive Brown, and Joe Blunt. The Drifters originally included Ben E. King, but he left before I arrived. Later, she brought Johnny Moore, Bill Fredricks, and Ben E. King back. It was good because I got to work with Ben E. King and Johnny Moore. The only Drifter that stayed consistent within the group was me.  

Were "The Drifters" friends outside of rehearsal and shows? Gina, we were on the road nine months out of the year, working and traveling six to seven days a week. That's a lot of being together, and it's inevitable when you get a bunch of alpha males together that there will be occasional conflicts. In that time together, we had much to say to one another, and sometimes it didn't come across as intended. Everyone was professional when it came time to hit the stage, which meant the audience didn't detect any internal issues within the group.

And that's the way that it should be because that's your job. Like with any job, you must leave your personal issues outside your working environment, which is what The Drifters did. As professionals, we owe our audience everything we have. Everyone stayed focused on the job. On the flip side, there were times that, oh my gosh! (laughs) 

In fact, I'm writing a book that will be turned into a film. Some of the stories are hilarious! If any group tells you they don't argue, fuss, and fight, they lie. We used to fight like cats and dogs, and the very second we had to go on stage, we would smile, and the show would go on smoothly. We never fought on stage, but we fought up unto the curtains. (laughs)

Ray, how do you keep a group together? What's the recipe? One analogy crucial to maintaining harmony in the group is remembering that it took self to get you there, but it takes selflessness to keep you there. 

In a group, it's about more than what you bring to the table; you must also let everyone contribute their talents. Basically, you must respect one another. Sometimes you disagree, but you must still find a way to mold into that unit. 

And Gina, in all honesty, it's not always possible to hide your emotions, and sometimes people will pick up on it. We have all seen that play out in various groups when fights break out on stage.  

So, to minimize a situation like that occurring during a live performance, always look for peaceful resolutions quickly so that disagreements won't affect your show or relationship with one another. Forgive, forget, kiss, and make up and get back out there and put the harmony back to where it is supposed to be.

Who was responsible for The Drifters' tight choreography and costumes? We had multiple choreographers, but “Faye Treadwell” picked our wardrobe.

Was choreography easy for you? No, in fact, I still have three feet. (laughs) Choreography was difficult for me. And, whenever I was out of step, sounded terrible, or had wrong notes, the boys let me know. (laughs) They would say to me, "Get it right, Ray." Although I had to put up with that, it's what got me to where I am today.  To be polished like “The Jacksons, “you must work hard. Today, many things are manufactured, but back then, you either had it or you didn’t.

Do you feel as though your style of music is fleeting? No, it's quite the opposite. Young people are now seeking out the old-school sound. They want to know how we did it, what it was like, and they can do it. Even though they'll do it their way, they copy our method.

Can you name a few of the songs you’ve spearheaded? There Goes My First Love, You're More Than a Number in My Little Red Book, The Boardwalk, I've Got Sand in My Shoes, This Magic Moment, Up on The Roof, and many others.

When Johnny left and I came to the group, I had to rerecord several songs to release the albums with my voice on them. It's for some legal reason. I did that with most of the songs. At any time, I could be called out to sing lead which was why it was so important to be prepared.

And, of course, I was always happy to step up if one of my group members could not carry out their part in the group for whatever reason. I was 100% invested.

Who were some of the people who wrote for The Drifters? Some writers include Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Burt Bacharach, and Carole King, but many more contributed to the catalog of The Drifter's songs. 

Has anyone ever covered your music? Yes. Many artists have covered our music, and many have taken that cover all the way to #1. One example of that is Aretha Franklin.  

 Did The Drifters ever win a Grammy during your tenure? No, we were nominated for a Grammy, but no wins. However, we were twice inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." 

Do young guys like rappers sample your music? Absolutely.  

How does that make you feel? The fact that they care enough to think about it, it's an honor and quite an accolade. 

Awesome! Earlier, you spoke about reel-to-reels. Today, the music world has digitalized, and the methodology differs vastly from the earlier years. Ray, have you kept up with the industry changes, and are you writing and producing your music? Currently, I'm in the process of recording another album. This would be my fifth solo release.

Regarding writing, I don't write and have never written a song, but I can perform and sing anything all day long. 

 Why, Ray? I didn't feel as though that was my gift. Therefore, I've always stuck with what I am the most confident with singing. 

 Tell me about your current music. It's the same. I tour with three other guys, so the four of us go out, and we do a tribute to my era of music as the lead singer of The Drifters. The show is called "Still Drifting." Additionally, I do a lot of solo things. Although some of my shows are corporate-based, I'm still touring the world.  

Well, I'm so looking forward to hearing new music from you. I'm sure it will be awesome! The world is waiting for more from the talented Ray Lewis. Thank you. I'll let you know when it comes out.  

Thank you. So, one last question. Ok 

 Can you say something that will inspire someone coming up behind you who is passionate about music but needs to know where to begin? Sure. We all have different reasons for entering this industry. Whether acting, singing, dancing, or whatever, we have a creative nature about us that tells us that there's something more to us than what we see.

Because of that, we strive to bring out the best of whatever we have. That's the real essence of it. 

Some people don't want to do ditches, climb trees or build houses because they feel it's easier to get on that stage, sing, earn enormous amounts of money, and become famous.  

However, with the mindset of quick, fast, and in a hurry, success can be an unsuccessful and unrewarding approach. To be good at anything, you must have a pure love for it. Sometimes, you must be willing to do it even when no money is involved. And, even when you're tired, you may have to go 1000 miles to get to a gig that only pays £7.00, but there will be great people there to see you. 

So be determined to perform at every chance you get because you never know who's seated within that audience. That may be the very person that will choose to take you further because of the excellence you've shown in the quality of your performance. So, loving what you do will make you great and successful.

Thanks for those beautiful words, Ray! Having the opportunity to interview you today was an absolute pleasure. There is so much I learned from you. There is so much wisdom in you. You're humble and kind, and you speak so eloquently. Thank you for this opportunity. What an honor! The best part of all of this is that you're also my Christian brother. Thank you. This is the foundation, and I need to make that clear. This is my life. When I was in the foster home, I was baptized, and I found the Lord in my life while in that home. It wasn't until I got away that I realized how much God carried me through life and brought me this far. I had no clue then that God was lifting me the entire time. This is why I'm so grateful until this day! Now, I understand my position and what I'm supposed to do. I'm here to help and do whatever I can to help because that's what happened to me. The Lord touched me. 

Your story is truly inspirational! I can't wait to see what amazing things God will do in your life in the days ahead. Ray, my prayer is that God will continue to bless you and bless the works of your hands, be it done according to his will and that the Lord will keep you safe and your family in this time in our world. And I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of what God has done in your life and the accomplishments that you made. Despite your setbacks, you continued to be a man of faith. You decided to step out and trust God in your life, which is commendable. Thank you again, Ray, for giving me a slice of your life. And I thank you so much for considering me for your magazine. Thank you for asking. 

My pleasure, as always. Have the best day ever! Thank you. Same for you. 

Thank you very much.

Photos are courtesy of Ray Lewis, and performance photos are by Graham White Photography.

www.raylewismusic.co.uk

Buy the magazine on Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/INDIE-POST-LEWIS-NOVEMBER-ISSUE/dp/B0CLNYX5N3/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

END OF INTERVIEW