Ray Conn

🎙️ Ray Conn – A Life in Song and Story

Ray Conn’s musical journey began in the heart of Scotland, but his roots stretch back to Denmark, where his father’s family—originally named Hansen—hailed from. A songwriter, performer, and storyteller, Ray’s career has spanned decades, genres, and continents. From the swinging 60s in London’s legendary Denmark Street to the stages of Washington State, Ray has lived a life steeped in music, memory, and meaning.

In the 1960s, when cash ran low, Ray became Road Manager for British pop harmony group The Ivy League, immersing himself in the vibrant London music scene. He was present the day his friend Noel Redding met Jimi Hendrix, witnessing the birth of one of rock’s most iconic bands. Ray recorded several of his own songs in London, backed by Rod Clark—formerly of The Moody Blues—and maintained a close friendship with Scottish legend Alex Harvey, penning Harvey’s final single just weeks before his passing.

By 1981, Ray had founded Conn Records, releasing “The Wedding Song” for Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, performed by Mike McCartney (brother of Sir Paul). His songwriting spans Christian, pop, blues, boogie woogie, rock, EDM, rap, reggae, and country. With family ties to Nashville hitmaker Annie Tate and Benny Hill regular Maggie Stredder of The Ladybirds, Ray’s musical lineage runs deep.

In 2009, he released Big Hits from Big Ballad Ray, a 22-track CD of classic covers under Park Delaney Productions. After moving to America in 2010, Ray performed across Washington State, continuing to write and record prolifically. His recent work earned praise from Mike McCartney, who was “surprised” by one of Ray’s original songs—a testament to his enduring creativity.

Beyond music, Ray is a passionate wildlife photographer and a Guru 111 on GuruShots, the world’s largest photography platform with over 200 million users. Whether through lens or lyric, Ray Conn captures life’s beauty, depth, and spirit.

📀 Keep listening—Ray’s song list keeps growing.