We’re incredibly saddened to confirm the loss of Ray Davies, our Chairman for over 15 years, and friend for many more.

Ray joined the Committee of Management here at the Fund back in 1994, before becoming Chairman back in 2002, as well as a spell as Chairman of BASCA from 2004-2010 – from who he also received a Gold Badge Award in 2011 – for services to the songwriting and composing community. A PRS for Music member since 1967, Ray spent the vast majority of his life as one of the U.K.’s leading composers and musicians, winning many prestigious awards, including several Grand Prix for composition.

World renowned artists such as Johnny Mathis, Petula Clark, Tony Bennett, The Beatles, Liza Minelli, Bing Crosby, The Rolling Stones, Burt Bacharach, Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Morecambe and Wise, Shirley Bassey, Henry Mancini, Judy Garland, Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald and Art Farmer are just a few of the names he has played with and/or written for.

John Logan, General Secretary of the Members Benevolent Fund, said:

 “…I have had the pleasure of working with Ray throughout his time with us here at the charity.

‘He worked ceaselessly to ensure that those PRS members – his fellow writers – who were in difficulty and required some support received it. It was during his chairmanship that many of the wide ranging support schemes now available from the Fund were introduced. We have a lot to thank him for.”

 

BASCA spoke to fellow long serving Committee member and Deputy Chair Brian Willey:

“…we had been closely associated during our working lives, Ray as a highly regarded musician and I as a BBC Radio Producer frequently requiring his expertise as a bandleader with his excellent ‘Buttondown Brass’ outfit or as an orchestral conductor for the BBC Radio Orchestra or the BBC Big Band.

During his lifetime he had played the trumpet and flugel horn for many famous bands including Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Orpheans, for Cyril Stapleton and Tony Osborne, and had featured on many recordings.

For the last fourteen years he and I have been serving the PRS Members’ Benevolent Fund as committee chairman and deputy chairman respectively – so, understandably, his sudden passing has come as a great shock, not only to me, but to the music industry in general.

My deepest commiserations go to Ray’s wife, Diane, and to his sons and their families.

Rest in Peace dear Ray.“

Ray passed away suddenly on July 20th at the age of 89, leaving behind his wife Diane and their family – our collective thoughts are with all who knew him.