Ray Davies
At 81 years old, Ray Davies remains one of the most prominent British Composers working today.
British singer and musician
"His most defining career moment was his prolific songwriting output for The Kinks throughout the 1960s, crafting a unique blend of observational lyrics and melodic pop." — About Ray Davies
| Metric | Ray Davies | Avg Composer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 81 | 60 | +21 yrs |
| Career length | 63 yrs | ~35 yrs | +28 yrs |
| Based on 156 Composer profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Ray Davies
Did you know that Ray Davies once worked as a commercial artist before finding fame with The Kinks?
- He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 for his services to the arts.
- He survived being shot in the leg during a mugging incident in New Orleans in 2004.
- He briefly pursued a career as a film director, making the 1985 musical film "Return to Waterloo."
- He claims to have written the classic 'Waterloo Sunset' while recovering from a childhood illness in hospital.
- He wrote a West End musical called "Come Dancing," inspired by his childhood experiences and family.
His most defining career moment was his prolific songwriting output for The Kinks throughout the 1960s, crafting a unique blend of observational lyrics and melodic pop. Albums like 'The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)' established him as a master storyteller, capturing the nuances of English life with wit and pathos. This era cemented his reputation as one of Britain's most influential composers.
Ray Davies's legacy is defined by his groundbreaking narrative songwriting and his ability to encapsulate British culture in popular music. He profoundly influenced generations of artists with his innovative lyrical depth and theatrical flair.