Ray Davies facts: The Kinks singer's age, songs, career, wife and family revealed
6 June 2024, 14:47 | Updated: 11 June 2024, 16:33
Ray Davies, the lead singer and songwriter for The Kinks, is a legendary figure in rock music.
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Davies is known for his sharp, observational lyrics and distinctive voice. He penned classic songs such as ‘You Really Got Me,’ ‘Waterloo Sunset,’ and ‘Lola,’ blending rock, pop, and British music hall influences.
The Kinks, formed with his brother Dave, were pivotal in the British Invasion of the 1960s. Ray’s storytelling and wit have left a lasting impact on music, making him one of the most respected and influential figures in the industry.
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How old is Ray Davies?
Ray Davies in 1972. Picture: Getty As of 2024, Ray Davies is 79 years old.
He was born on June 21, 1944, in Muswell Hill, London. His parents were Frederick George Davies and Anne Lydia Davies.
Ray Davies is the seventh of eight children, with his most notable sibling being his younger brother Dave Davies, who was also a member of The Kinks.
The Davies family had a strong influence on Ray's musical career, fostering a creative and supportive environment that helped shape his artistic development.
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When did he form The Kinks?
The Kinks Clockwise, from left: drummer Mick Avory, bassist Pete Quaife (1934 - 2010), guitarist Dave Davies and singer Ray Davies. Picture: Getty Ray Davies got his start in music during his school years, playing skiffle and rock and roll with his friends.
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He formed The Kinks in 1963, originally called The Ravens, with his younger brother Dave Davies, bassist Pete Quaife, and drummer Mick Avory.
The band quickly gained attention, and their first major hit, 'You Really Got Me,' was released in 1964.
This song, with its distinctive riff and raw energy, catapulted The Kinks to international fame and established Ray Davies as a leading songwriter and performer in the burgeoning rock music scene of the 1960s.
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What are his best-known songs?
The Kinks - All Day And All Of The Night (Official Audio)
Ray Davies is best known for a number of classic songs he wrote for The Kinks. Some of his most famous songs include:
• ‘You Really Got Me’
• ‘Waterloo Sunset’
• ‘Lola’
• ‘All Day and All of the Night’
• ‘Sunny Afternoon’
• ‘Tired of Waiting for You’
• ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’
• ‘A Well Respected Man’
• ‘Days’
• ‘Come Dancing’
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Is Ray Davies married and does he have kids?
Ray Davies has been married and divorced several times.
His first marriage was to Rasa Didžpetrytė in 1964, with whom he had two daughters, Louisa and Victoria. They divorced in 1973.
His second marriage was to Yvonne Gunner from 1974 to 1981.
He later had relationships with various women, including Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, with whom he has a daughter named Natalie.
Ray Davies has another daughter, Eva, with third ex-wife, Irish ballet dancer Patricia Crosbie.
