a Lifetime in Rock and Roll
Ray Breakey Drums
Early beginings
Ray started playing drums at age 14 and took lessons from a local session drummer who taught him both the technical skills needed as well as how to read music. Pretty soon Ray was set on a musical carreer and as they say the rest is history with Ray having played with some of the most famous names in British and American rock and roll, in a career that spans over 50 years
Famous names in the west country
Ray in the early days
With time and practice Ray quickly honed his skills and soon became a professional musician playing for various acts at the Webbington country club.
It was here in the 60’s and 70’s that top cabaret stars made regular appearances attracting thousands from all over the West Country and beyond. Many famous names graced the floorboards including Freddie Starr, Bob Monkhouse, PJ Proby, The Drifters, The Rocking Berries, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Acker Bilk, Tommy Cooper, Gene Pitney and Jane Mansfield to name but a few.
Poster from the early years at the Webbington
Holiday camps and touring
Ray certainly learnt his trade in this hotbed of talent and In the 1970’s became a touring backing musician for artists such as Del Shannon, The Drifters, The Platters, Vince Eager, The Paper Dolls and Bert Weedon playing theatres and clubs throughout the UK.
During the 1980s Ray could be found playing summer seasons at Pontins providing backing for the regular turnaround of singers and speciality acts.
Ray also continued on the local club circuit with a cabaret band as a semi-professional and has played in many local bands across the South West, most recently, ‘One For The Road’
Bristol Calling….and time for something Amphibious
Ray backing some of the greatest acts of the 60s and 70s
For all of us, 2020 brought a huge change to our personal and professional lives. Although it’s been tough for many, we also like to look for the positives and opportunities this year has brought us. Finding himself ‘between bands’ at the same time the Frogs were looking to fill a vacancy, Ray took the plunge into the pond and proved an instant hit with the rest of the band. With quality and worthwhile live music still some way off, at least we’re all enjoying playing together again and The Frogs are proud to add our name to the whose who of Rays playlist.