Johnnie Ray (January 10, 1927 – February 24, 1990) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Extremely popular for most of the 1950s, Ray has been cited by critics as a major precursor of what would become rock and roll, for his jazz and blues-influenced music and his animated stage personality.
The publication, British Hit Singles & Albums, noted that Ray was "a sensation in the 1950s, the heart-wrenching vocal delivery of the 'Cry Guy' ... influenced many acts including Elvis and was the prime target for teen hysteria in the pre-Presley days".
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