I figure Ray will see the title of the thread and wonder what I'm going to say about him LOL.
Nothing nasty Ray. I just wanted to ask you who inspired you as a young guitarist? Any favourites that influenced you, any current favourites etc? You come across as being your own man with your own style, so that makes me even more inquisitive.
I STARTED TAKING LESSONS AT A LOCAL MUSIC STORE IN 1957.MY TEACHER TAUGHT ME THE RUDIMENTS,AND THEN WENT ON TO TEACH THE OLD STANDARDS.RIGHT AROUND THAT TIME ROCK AND ROLL WAS IN IT'S INFANCY.PEOPLE LIKE JOHNNY CASH, CONWAY TWITTY,AND ROY ORBISON WERE CONSIDERED ROCK STARS.
I STARTED LISTENING TO SEVERAL OF THE BLUES PLAYERS.THE KING BROS. WERE MY FAVES.FREDDIE,ALBERT,AND B.B. AT THE SAME TIME,THE FIRST BAND I WAS IN PLAYED ALL INSTRUMENTALS.SOME BLUES,AND A LOT OF VENTURES SONGS.I ALSO TRIED TO LEARN AS MUCH CLASSICAL GUITAR AS I COULD TOO.JAMES BURTON WAS DOING SOME GREAT STUFF,AND STEVE CROPPER TOO.LONNIE MACK SMOKED,AND JORGAN INGMANN HAD SOME NICE THINGS.CHET ATKINS,AND MERLE TRAVIS WERE BOTH GREAT WITH THE FINGER STYLE.I LOVED WES MONTGOMERY TOO.
BASICALLY,I TRIED TO LEARN EVERYTHING I COULD GET MY HANDS ON,WHATEVER THE GENRE.I DIDN'T REALISE IT AT THE TIME,BUT THAT'S HOW YOU DEVELOP YOUR OWN STYLE.
AT AGE 18 I STARTED TEACHING.AT ONE POINT I HAD 70 STUDENTS A WEEK.AT AGE 19 I STARTED MY STUDIO MUSICIAN CAREER WITH "COOL JERK".I REALLY LEARNED A LOT FROM THE OTHER STUDIO PLAYERS,AND I WAS GLAD I TOOK THOSE LESSONS.IF YOU COULDN'T READ MUSIC,YOU COULDN'T DO SESSIONS.
I'VE ALWAYS FAVORED THE R&B,BLUES,ROCK STYLES.I THINK CLAPTON DID HIS BEST STUFF WITH CREAM.I LOVED JIMI,AND STEVIE RAY.THEY BOTH PLAYED WITH AN INTENSITY THAT IS UN-EQUALED.
THESE DAYS I'M NOT LISTENING TO ANYONE IN PARTICULAR,ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SOME GREAT PLAYERS OUT THERE.ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IS SIT DOWN WITH MY CLASSICAL AND PLAY SOME FINGER STYLE.EITHER THAT OR GET OUT THE OLD STRAT AND PLAY SOME BLUES.
JUST A NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE ALWAYS FELT(ALONG WITH OTHER R.E. FANS) THAT YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST AND UNDER RATED GUITAR PLAYER OF ALLTIME.....YOU ALWAYS SEE CLAPTON,VAN HALEN,HENDRIX ON ALL OF TOP LISTS OF GUITAR PLAYERS AND WE NEVER SEE YOUR NAME........LOVE THOSE SOLOS FROM ONE WORLD TO LIVE IN SWISS.....
Thanks so much for this history of your guitar career and influences. I have always wondered who influenced you. You have such a unique sound, and I love your acoustic playing as well as your electric guitar playing.
I remember when you guys performed "Smiling Faces..." in Galion, and I remember the guitar playing at the opening of the song, and you were playing the most awesome melody in the beginning of the song on your Strat, I think. It was different than the way you played it on the "Ma" LP. I was so hoping that you guys were going to release a CD with the new version included, but it didnt happen( unless I have missed it). I just stood out in the crowd, getting a great BIG rush.
I second what MDF says. You are underated, and I know you will think I'm nuts, but, I think Clapton is over rated. He has never done anything that blew my socks off. Yes, I liked a few "Cream" tunes, but, to be honest, he sounded just like everyone else, back then. Even in his solo career, I havent heard anything that I would rush out and buy.
I wish that there was some way that we Rare Earth fans could do to get Motown to release ALL of your albums on CD. My poor copy of " In Concert" has had it. It isnt even playable. So many times I am singing your guitar solo from "Get Ready" in my head. I always loved the conclusion of it when you wents crazy on the ''whamy bar''. I really miss that album.
WHEN WE DID SMILING FACES LIVE,IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO SWITCH FROM THE ACOUSTIC TO THE ELECTRIC DURING THE SONG.I CHOSE TO GO ELECTRIC,AND OVER TIME THE PART CHANGED,AND EVOLVED INTO WHAT YOU HEARD AT THE SHOW.I'VE ALWAYS LOVED THAT SONG AND REALLY ENJOYED PLAYING IT.
THERE HAS BEEN TALK OF RE-RELEASES OF THE ALBUMS ON C.D. HOPEFULLY,IT WILL COME TO PASS.
Thanks so much for the info, and the news that the CD's might become available. Please, keep us posted. I've *got* to have this!
I don't know what you were doing on your electric guitar(since I do not play guitar at all) but it was the most awesome melody, and it was slightly different than the acoustic version. All I know is that it caught me by surprise, and had my undivided attention.
By the way... I hate to ask yet another question about what someone in the band is saying...but, has anyone ever translated into English exactly what Eddie is saying as the tune opens?
In 1974, when I bought "Ma" on 8- Track, and played it while I was at work, a co-worker (who was hispanic) would laugh, and say " He's saying bad words". He wouldnt tell me what he was saying though. gain, just curious.
I am 44 years old now and i have listen to rare earth since i was 12. I still find your solos and playing so amazing .... i became a drummer myself but in my dreams i play guitar like you. Thanks!!
Here's a question for you Ray. Were there many multi-instrumentalists within the band (any era)? I now know Mark doubled on Sax and Eddie on drums. What about yourself, Pete, Gil, Mike, Reggie etc etc?
HI DAVE, PRACTICALLY EVERYBODY IN THE BAND PLAYED AT LEAST A LITTLE KEYBOARD. I'M A BIG TIME FRUSTRATED KEY PLAYER. I STARTED WHEN I WAS 14 PLAYING THE UPRIGHT MY FOLKS BOUGHT FOR MY SISTER.I ACTUALLY PLAYED A FEW KEYBOARD SONGS IN MY FIRST BAND(WURLITZER).THINGS LIKE "WHAT'D I SAY",AND OTHERS.
WHEN WE MOVED TO L.A. MARK GAVE ME AN UPRIGHT PIANO,AND I GAVE HIM A STRAT. HE WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY SLIDE,AND I TAUGHT HIM SOME LICKS. GIL PLAYS GOOD KEYS TOO. OVER THE YEARS,AS WE CHANGED KEYBOARD PLAYERS,I SHOWED MANY OF THEM HOW TO PLAY A PART PROPERLY(LIKE MARK HAD DONE IT).MANY TIMES THEY WOULD COME TO REHEARSAL THINKING THEY HAD IT DOWN,AND THE PART WASN'T CORRECT.ESPECIALLY "LOSING YOU", AND "MA".
O.K.....HERE'S THE INSIDE SCOOP. WHEN I WAS 18 I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAT BROKE MY TWO FRONT TEETH. EVER SINCE THEN I'VE HAD A PERMANENT BRIDGE TO FILL IN THE GAP. I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED,BUT DURING MY LONG SOLO IN LOSING YOU I LIFTED THE GUITAR AND STARTED PLAYING SLIDE WITH MY FRONT TEETH. THE FOLKS LOVED IT,SO IT STUCK. BUT.......NO ONE ELSE COULD EVER DO IT. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. LOL!! HAVE YOU EVER ACCIDENTALLY BIT DOWN ON AN ALUMINUM GUM WRAPPER?? IT WOULD FEEL LIKE THAT ONLY MUCH WORSE.AND BESIDES....YOUR DENTIST WOULD KILL YOU!
Dennis Mosley here. We went to school together. Remember Pearson Jr. High?
I remember the fashion show they were giving. Your band was to play the music. I was one of the male models chosen. Me Bill Strickland (now passed) and some others. They sent us over to Sims at Seven Grand to chose outfits. Sims told us if we wore the clothes we'd get a discount. I bought the clothes with the discount but did not show because of the embarassment. Not a good time for a solid male to be a model. Yeh know.
I guess all I can add is that you certainly had a long history of music making. Heck, how old were we at Pearson? 13? 14? if that.
I went to Vietnam as did so many others. Never heard you were in a band that made it big until the 80's at a reunion. I even forgot the name of the band. Heard you married our baton twirler (majorette). I remember her. A lusious lady as I remember. Forgot her name. Sorry to her. But I remember that great figure!
Hope you two are happy. Hold on to your health. Mosley
I DO HAVE DATES WITH THE FUNK BROTHERS TOO,BUT ONLY ONE OF THEM CONFLICTS WITH A RARE EARTH DATE. UNFORTUNATELY.....IT'S THE LORAIN,OH. DATE. I'LL BE IN LONDON,ON. WITH THE FUNKS THAT NIGHT. OTHER THAN THAT,I'LL BE AT ALL THE R.E. SHOWS.
THE GUYS HAVE A GREAT SUB FOR ME JUST IN CASE OF A CONFLICT LIKE THIS. GO SEE THE SHOW!!! YOU'LL LOVE IT!!
Saw you last night at the Dream Cruise show wow, really makes the band sound like the original....that was one slick guitar very smooth....enjoyed meeting you.
Thanks for posting here on the forum. Ray you are hands down my favorite guitar player, period. I am sorry I missed the Woodward Dream Cruise, would have loved to cruise out and enjoy the show. I even had a parking space reserved practically at the venue itself. Long story short I got stitches and decided to take a D-tour from the Dream Cruise. Not to sound too much like the Chicago Cubs fan that I am, but there's always next year, I just hope Rare Earth jams there too.
I am looking forward to seeing Rare Earth play in Buffalo Grove, IL.
Ray, So that explains why the first song you taught me at Taber Music was, "Walk, Don't Run". I still play it today but I am a lot better at 55 than I was at 12. Thanks for teaching me to love the guitar.
I just bought the reissue of Ruth Copeland's Self Portrait & I Am What I Am albums. Are you playing on all the tracks? Do you know what happened to her? She seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.
IT'S REALLY A MYSTERY ABOUT RUTH?? NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HER.
ALL OF THE SOLO WORK I DID WAS OVERDUBBED LATE AT NIGHT. JEFFREY BOWEN WORKED FOR HDH,GETTING THE MUSICIANS TOGETHER,AND HE BROUGHT ME IN FOR RUTH'S ALBUMS. IT WAS A LOT OF FUN WORKING ON IT AND IT GAVE ME A CHANCE TO STRETCH OUT FROM THE USUAL SESSIONS.
Thanks for the reply. I'm glad you enjoyed playing on Self Portrait. It's a strange album, with such a lot of differing styles of music. I originally had it on vinyl, and it's really grown on me over the last forty years.
Just wondering if you remember playing with Rare Earth in Charlotte, NC in about 1972. Local radio station WAYS 610 AM sponsored annual concerts called the Big WAYS Birthday Ball (BWB). I think RE played at BWB #7, and I believe the bill that year included Rare Earth, R. Dean Taylor, Billie Preston, Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band, the Chi-Lites, and maybe a few others. I was about 13 years old at the time so my recollection is a little vague, but here's the way I remember that night...
You played the ENTIRE set with Dennis Coffey first, then took the stage with RE and you guys burned the housed down. Pete went down into the audience playing a snare drum during "I Just Want To Celebrate," then he took a mic on a long cord and let audience members sing along with the band. The crowd didn't want you guys to ever stop playing, but the Chi-Lites were the headliners. The house lights came on, and you played solo guitar for several minutes while RE's equiment was being torn down behind you. Pete finally walked out on stage pulled the plug out of your strat >POP!<, and the crowd went nuts. He escorted you offstage almost like James Brown at the end of "Please, Please, Please." Then the Chi-Lites took the stage in yellow slicker raincoats, and the audience started to leave even as they began singing.
That was my first concert. I was already huge Rare Earth fan and had hoped to someday learn to play the drums and sing like Pete, but after I saw your performance that night, it was all over. 38 years and about as many guitars later (yeah, most of 'em Strats), I'm glad to get the chance to thank you for that incredible performance and your continued musical influence. I still get goosebumps when I think about that concert.
Nice one Steve. That sounded like some concert. That must have been in Ray's early RE days and clearly he was very enthusiastic if the only way to get him off stage was for Pete to unplug his guitar!!!
Steve: Either you or I must have had our drinks spiked because I don't remember anything you talked about. I can't ever remember going out in the audience with a snare drum. I used to give the mic to some of the people but that was all I remember. Also I can't remember Ray playing on after we all left the stage.. Are you sure there wasn't something in the air?????????????????????????????????? Anyway Great recollection. Peter
I DO REMEMBER PLAYING IN CHARLOTTE WITH DENNIS COFFEY ON THE BILL,MAINLY BECAUSE I PLAYED WITH HIM ON "SCORPIO". ALSO,BOB BABBITT WAS HIS BASSIST ON THE SHOW,AN OLD FRIEND. BUT.....I DID NOT PLAY WITH HIM ON HIS SET.
DO YOU THINK (AT THAT YOUNG AGE) YOU COULD HAVE MISTAKEN A TAMBOURINE FOR A SNARE? I DO REMEMBER THAT IT WAS A GREAT SHOW FOR US,BUT I HONESTLY DON'T REMEMBER PLAYING AFTER THE BAND LEFT THE STAGE......BUT HEY.....THAT WAS 38 YEARS AGO!!! ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE??
ANYWAY......GLAD YOU HAVE SUCH A COOL MEMORY OF THE SHOW! AND KEEP PICKIN THAT STRAT.
My name's Al and I chanced upon this blog of yours - as i've been looking up on all my fav musicians and you're one of them :) It may or may not come as a surprise to you but I live in Singapore - a tiny island in SOutheast Asia BUT I've been a Rare Earth fan since i was 13....and I'm 54 now.
I've read all the nice things your fans have said about you and i totally agree with each and everyone of them. Funny how music can have such a profound impact. Like all that have been said, I just love your riffs - on all of Rare Earth's album - that is after you replaced Rod Richards. I have ALL of Rare Earth's albums...vinyls not cds and frankly your guitar work put more 'sould or ump' in Rare Earth...dynamite! I've only began to collect cds in the 90s but still prefer the sound of the good ole vinyl...my all-time fav of all 70's albums - The Backpack!!
Ooooh, I just happened to turn the TV on and there's Ray and Bob Babbitt strumming away on Tears of a Clown with Phil Collins. Looks like they're reshowing the Phil Collins documentary. There goes all my plans for the next hour. Time to crack open a bottle of beer methinks.
Just want to ask you something please. Any idea how come the Willie remembers & the backpack albums are not available on cd? I have two copies of both this excellent album but i'm trying to get it on cd...to add to my collectiion.
BTW, have you been jamming or playing with any group lately?
I'M NOT SURE ABOUT WILLIE,BUT IN CONCERT WAS RELEASED ON CD VERY BRIEFLY.FOR THIS REASON,IF YOU CAN FIND A COPY,IT COMES WITH A HIGH PRICETAG.
WHY UNIVERSAL HASN'T RE-RELEASED WILLIE,AND ESPECIALLY IN CONCERT,IS UNBELIEVABLE!! IN CONCERT IS OUR BEST REVIEWED ALBUM OF ALL TIME. SOMEBODY'S SLEEPING AT UMG.
In Concert is surely everyone's favorite Rare Earth album followed, in my case anyway, by One World and Willie Remembers. Those were the albums where the guys in the band had some control over the music they were recording. Ma has its moments, notably Big John, but I recall being very confused when it came out so hot on the heels of WR and suddenly big Norm was controlling the show. I never had a problem with Norman Whitfield or his music, but I was right into what RE and Tom Baird were contributing in the way of original artists. It was hugely disappointing to see that taken away.
It's strange that Ma has grown on me over the years, particularly the full length title track.
I didn't like Ma in 73! and still dont, sorry. Worst album cover of all time and the title track although played well is just boring. Give me Band Together any day but I would have prefered the harder material like my fav album One World.
Also agreed. They shouldn't leave it much longer or they'll be no audience. Another 10 years and I'll be sitting in my rocking chair like Ma on the record sleeve.......with a hearing aid and pension :) or should that be :( ?
Hi dave...I'm Allan from Singapore. I dont know about you but as far as Rare Earth is concerned, my three teenage daughters - 17, 15 & 13 will still be listening to them many years from now. They spin my lps when their friends come over...and i'm sure there are more like them out there who can appreciate RE's music...so long as their dads still listens to all the great late 60's & 70s band. Absolutely NO ONE plays like Rare Earth. Period. Just last week i had 6 teenages at my house...all friends of my girls and musicians themselves..going through my lps..yup lps, not cds..and gez which lp they listened to over and over again? The backpack & Willie remembers..
MA;There was a feelin among some that w/ WR Rare earth had lost their soul;So here comes NORMAN;Who could get very indulged w/ certail songs.Some of his material was great on MIDNIGHT LADY,truly fierce stuff but it was 2 late.I think we get the album and song confused.The song way 2 long...............album?JOHN,FACES,and HUM?HUM is RE @ their best;Oddly though I was a little diss w/ both albums,,,,,,,it did show their incredible versatility;I COULDNT BELIEVE,COME WITH YOUR LADY,JOHN,timeless stuff.
But which album best represented the band Rare Earth, WR or Ma? I'd say WR because the guys created most of the content themselves (with Tom Baird of course). Presumably the song "Ma", though credited to Norman Whitfield, was 3 or 4 mins of Norman and the remaining jam was constructed by the guys in the band. Is this fair to say Peter?
I'm not averse to the motown covers or the use of Zesses / Fekaris as writers, far from it.But I did enjoy watching RE developing as writers and the Motown management chose to snuff that out after WR. Shame really, although later on they did start to include some originals again.
Hi Alshep, great to see you on the forum. I've not quite made it to Singapore yet but got pretty close (Malaysia).
Totally agree that nobody plays like Rare Earth and those 3 albums in particular, One World, In Concert and Willie Remembers, were and still are great pieces of work. If I had to give up all my records and could only keep one, In Concert would definitely top the list.
Going thru my old stuff and found a "Back To Earth" album that you had the band sign for me. You gave me this when my Dad and I (16 then) painted your house on Don Pio Drive in 1975. I remember your young son, Ray Jr and a small dog. (Flash?) Hope things are going well and thanks for the album.
Rare Earth, in my opinion, did its best work with Tom Baird, and this is no disrespect to the other producers the band has worked with over the years. The band is best represented by Ecology, One World, and Willie Remembers. Tom was to Rare Earth as George Martin was to The Beatles, as far as I am concerned.
As we all know, the band was in its element onstage, which makes In Concert essential.
I agree with you, Mike. Tom Baird was made for Rare Earth. All due respect to my old friend Norman, but a huge mistake was made, in my opinion, to take Tom off of Rare Earth.
Actually they were both good 4 RE;After hearin LOSIN YOU,I sat there limp;They both made mistakes;MA(song)........WR(album);MOTOWN may have felt that WR was 2 white?MA....was 1 of the top sellin soul albums in 73.Thats remarkable,RE was whiteballed from black stations.I think NORMAN put them back on track;TOM did do some great stuff though.
I agree with you, Mike. Tom Baird was made for Rare Earth. All due respect to my old friend Norman, but a huge mistake was made, in my opinion, to take Tom off of Rare Earth.
Thanks for the backup Ralph
I've turned my two boys (15 and 9) onto Rare Earth...they enjoy In Concert...who knew!?
My youngest boy thinks it's cool that I have met a few rock musicians (Ray & Pete).
Al here. sorry didnt have time to check ray's blog.
i'd say all their albums are great but if a gun was put to my head, i gez i'd have to go with the backpack, although i really love Willie remembers.....the songs 'couldnt believe what happened last night' and 'Think of the children...simply blows me away.....
Probably nothin at all;Just feel that early RE was a more raw sound,includin your singin;Listenin to GRAND SLAM,it seems that your voice may be burned out a bit;Almost strainin,this would b normal,lot of shows take their toll.i guess.Though..........oddly,it seems.........youve made a hell of a comeback kid;
No way has Pete's voice EVER gone AWOL. It is as strong as ever just listen to the downloads............enough said. Grand Slam just has a different feel.
Rich, you really did it. Never anger those big/tall Belgian guys. I'm one myself. Just kidding.
I honestly believe Pete's vocal and drumming chops are as consistent as ever. And I am not saying that because Pete might see this.
Regarding Grand Slam, he sounds fine on it to me. He might sound a little different compared to the early stuff, but voices change ya know? Pete still sings in the key of the records. Ok, I haven't seen him perform since 2008 but I've seen the footage and he holds his own.
He had a richer even deeper voice;Listen to RIGBY,TR;Not necessarily better;He became a more throaty singer later,@ times soundin like a white JB;The godfather of soul;
He had a richer even deeper voice;Listen to RIGBY,TR;Not necessarily better;He became a more throaty singer later,@ times soundin like a white JB;The godfather of soul;
Hi Rich,
I can respect that :)
A white James Brown? Interesting. I hear a lot of The Temps' infleunce...I suppose being on the same label/same city and sharing the same producer...it's hard NOT to escape that influence. Pete...one of a kind. Yup. I'll drink to that.
I'm laughing at your reaction Peter lol. Come on, you've got to admit you've lost a little over the years. One bass drum for a start, 56 burgers for another. Definitely no worries on the drumming and singing though. The musical skills remain uneffected to these ears.
