Ray Carter (2)

US vocalist, bassist. Raised in and around the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While recording for Cadet Records (subsidiary of Chess Records) with the Stereos, he frequently worked with the internationally famous Isley Brothers, and the Motown sensation Mary Wells where he pinned the song ‘Can’t Stop The Tears’ by the age of 20. Ray also toured with the ‘Brother Jack McDuff Heating System’ Band as an electric Bass Guitarist, and Announcer, for the late and great Jazz Organist. McDuff was intrigued with the young business college student and nightly house band member at the famous Gilly’s Jazz Club in Dayton, Ohio, where Ray served as String Bassist for the likes of saxophonist Gary Bartz, vibraphonist Johnny Lytle, guitarist Larry Coryell, and pianist Khalid Moss to name a few. Ray’s travels landed him in Phoenix Arizona where he graduated from Arizona Technical College in 1980 while staying musically creative with the Helen Mason Performing Arts (Black Theater) Troupe, and various Jazz ensembles throughout the Arizona Valley of the Sun. Ray served a 7-year term as Vice-President of the Black Family Genealogy & History Society where his Genealogy Lectures were upon demand in venues that include the Arizona State University campus. He considers genealogy his greatest passion (next to music). Ray has recently retired, after 24 years, from his position as Senior Computer Analyst, and seasonal Choir Director with the Arizona Department of Revenue. Ray ‘Sly’ Carter has been the bassist and vocalist for the “Foster Oden Trio” since 2005.