Ray Blue, the tenor saxophonist, whose big bold sound touched the sky, spilling over with enough spirited soul to reach any listeners’ heart, died on May 21. He was 75.
A native of Peekskill, New York, Blue was a mainstay in Harlem, playing at popular venues like Showman’s, St. Nicks Pub, and Minton’s Playhouse. During summer months, he often performed at Ralph Ellison Park, a concert series promoted by Berta Indeed. “Ray was a great musician, easy to work with and a wonderful person,” noted Berta. For a number of years, Blue collaborated with vocalist Beverly Crosby performing at the American Legion Post 398 and later at Patrick’s Place.
Ray’s illuminating soulful sound made him an international go-to headliner in many countries like South Africa, Zanzibar, China, Finland, France, and Dublin. As a cast member of the Ray Charles Show touring company, he performed in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
Finding a second home in Harlem, Blue studied at Jazzmobile with Charles Davis, Paul Jeffreys, and Sonny Sharrock and was mentored by Arthur Blythe, Benny Powell, Houston Person, and Ornette Coleman. New York’s melting pot offered Blue an opportunity to play in a variety of contexts from Jazz to R&B, and blues with artists such as Steve Turre, Phil Young, Michael Cochrane, Gary Bartz, T.K. Blue, Joe Ford, blues great Bob Gaddy, Sun Ra Arkestra, Cotton Club All Stars, Harlem Blues and Jazz Band. Steve Johns, Sharp Radway, and Kirk Lightsey.
Blue established a connection with Africa when he made his maiden voyage to South Africa in 2003. There he performed with South African musicians and conducted jazz and educational workshops. The African and American cultural connection was so compelling, Blue returned on a yearly basis to perform, conduct workshops, and study South African music and culture.
He released more than a half-dozen albums as a leader, some of which include his 2001 debut “Always With A Purpose,” “Live at Liars” in 2004, followed by “Live at Liars #2.” “Work” on Jazz Heads Records was released in 2019, and the most recent CD, “#People” was released in 2023. To his credit, he also recorded three duo Christmas single releases with Lafayette Harris and Nat Adderley, Jr.
During his celebrated career, he was the recipient of many awards including the Distinguished Career Award from his alma mater, William Penn University, in 2010. Since 2004, his alma mater annually presents “The Ray Blue Jazz Award” to a graduating senior. The university hosted its inaugural “Jazz Education Festival” in 2007 for high school and college musicians in Ray Blue’s name. The Ray Blue Jazz Academy was initiated in 2019. He was inducted to the New York Hall of Blues in 2013 as a Master Blues and Jazz Artist. In the city of Peekskill, he was presented with a proclamation declaring February 2014 as “Ray Blue Month” to thank him for his service to the Peekskill community and beyond. In 2023 he was honored in Peekskill’s Juneteenth parade.
Raphael “Ray” was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on August 17, 1950, to Jacqueline Millicent “Jackie” Smith and George W. Fleming. He was raised in Peekskill by Jackie and Jeptha B. Blue. He graduated from Peekskill High School in 1968, where he played football and baseball and was a member of the marching band. He went off to William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with his trusty saxophone, where he studied sociology and earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Iowa.
He began his professional career as a licensed clinical social worker and later became an Adjunct Professor at Mercy College and the University of New York. He eventually resigned his social work career to become a full-time professional musician.
Always interested in blending music and education, he founded and became the executive director of Cross-Cultural Connection, Inc., a non-profit jazz organization, focusing on teaching, developing, and presenting live jazz to students and wider audiences.
Never forgetting his roots, Blue made himself available to various organizations for local gigs, from the Garden Club of Peekskill’s holiday tea and the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala brunch to the inaugural Kwanza Ball in 2015. He was instrumental in creating a jazz culture in Peekskill, anchored by the Bean Runner Café.
Blue is survived by Riitta, his loving wife of 23 years; his sons, Maurice and Jason; and his brother, Sylvester. He was an uncle to Michelle R. Gilchrest, Gary J. Gilchrest and Christin “Boomanchew” Gilchrest.
Blue’s wake took place on June 1, at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, in Peekskill, New York and his life celebration was held on June 2, at the AME Zion Church.