Ray Ekstrand

(b. Sep. 13, 1917, Minneapolis, MN; d. Jan. 2, 1977, Sparks, NV). Reed player and composer. Played with Abe Lyman, Paul Whiteman (1940-1941), Shep Fields, Benny Goodman, Sam Donahue. Recorded with Yank Lawson's band in the 40s. Was a CBS staff musician in New York for 25 years. Also recorded with Will Bradley, Trummy Young, Roy Eldridge and others.