Accomplished musician and former member and close friend of First UU, Ray Johnston will be our guest presenter for FAITH + WORKS on Sunday, February 9th at 4pm. 

With 55 years of music being the driving force of his life, Raymond Johnston is a consummate sideman, band leader, woodwind specialist, instrumental music teacher, and composer. He began playing clarinet and became infatuated with the saxophone. He started his first band at age 15. His training at Berklee College of Music, 31 years as a public school and private instrumental music teacher, and 27 years as an Army bandsman supports his specialty. A highly sought-after musician, Ray plays a wide variety of genres. His career boasts playing with Amiri Baraka, Alicia Keys, Ike Brown and the Jazz Prophets, Jay Black/Jay & the American, guitarist “King” Solomon Hicks, Al Green, Jerry Butler, Philadelphia Biblical University Orchestra, The Delfonics. Irene Reid, Ali Ryerson, Paterson Musicians’ Union Hall rehearsal bands, and Steve Turay to name a few. Ray has toured with the Count Basie Orchestra (Scotty Barnhart, Director). He has also played on Broadway in “Shuffle Along.” Moreover, he has had a 13-year, Monday night residency with the famous New York City Cotton Club All Stars band. Raymond Johnston is looking forward to expanding his musical playing and teaching nationally and internationally.

Topics: Faith + Works