Ray Newton

Ray Newton is world-renowned as a diversely talented and flexible showman: A true multi-stylist drummer, percussionist, and performer. A small sampling of his vast accomplishments includes playing venues like Radio City Music Hall, The Apollo, and The United Center, recordings on Atlantic, BMG/RCA, CBS, MCA, and Polygram, Broadway performances, film, videos, and playing in concert for capacity-filled crowds of well over 100,000. Mr. Newton’s current worldwide endorsements include Remo and Ayotte, with Vater as his primary wood sticks, and Hiptrix to round out his arsenal.

Ray's resume also includes world tours, recordings, and performances with The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Village People, Mark Morrison, The Pan-American Symphony Orchestra, and the Billboard #1 platinum-certified artist Snow. Ray also owns a Multi-Platinum Record Plaque for his contributions to Michael Jackson’s "Off the Wall" LP, which has sold over 50 million copies, and has a separate gold album to his credit besides. His television work includes being drummer on the worldwide syndicated classic Cosby Show theme song, The Grammys, Oprah, judging appearances on Star Search, and various United Negro College Fund events. Based out of NYC, Ray currently works as bandleader of Ray Newton’s Deziire, drummer with Melba Moore, and as drummer, band contractor, and musical director for various name artists.