About Koko Ray

Koko Ray was born in Chicago, and raised in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. "The Show" has been in his blood from the very start. Ray began to study music formally at the age of six and majored in Music Education in college. He trained under some notable musicians including; Phil Woods, Gene Quill and Michael Pedicin, Jr. Koko has mastered most woodwind instruments and also plays a number of string and percussion instruments.

Koko Ray began his professional career in Vegas, at the age of 15, and has never looked back. With more than 5,000 hours of stage time he has had ample opportunity to perfect his craft. His finely tuned performance is a direct result of his years in the public eye.

Ray spent more than five years as a session recording artist with Energy Records and played in the Philadelphia/Delaware/New Jersey area for more than six years.

In addition, Koko played the Monterey Jazz Festival for three consecutive years, and also toured extensively with 'Bluesman' Willie. Koko Ray has also appeared with: John Lee Hooker, Clarence Clemmons, Cheap Trick, B.B. King, Albert King, Dizzie Gillespie,Tommy Conwell, Elvin Bishop, Sonny Rhodes,Otis Clay, Greg Allman, Johnny O & the Classic Dogs of Love, Sons of Ace, John Eddy, and Big Jack Johnson. 

As a front man, there are few to compare with Koko Ray. Reminiscent of Roland Kirk, Ray plays both the tenor and alto saxophones simultaneously during his sets. On the flute, Koko rocks through Jethro Tull songs so like Ian Anderson, you'd swear you were listening to the original. No performance would be complete without seeing Koko play his alto while smoking a Marlboro!

Above all, Koko Ray's love of music is clearly evident in everything he does. From the songs in the band's set list, to the way each one is finely crafted, Koko Ray and the Soul Providers' sound is unrivaled!