(February 3, 2021) He was a silent part of enormous music history. We’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Danny Ray, whose name was largely unknown, but whose role in music history is clear. Ray was the “cape man” and emcee for the legendary James Brown. The Augusta, Georgia resident was 85, and died of natural causes.
Brown’s iconic live shows were known for their theatrics, and Ray, getting the crowd revved up working to place or take off Brown’s ornate cape, was pure theater at its finest.
(February 3, 2021) He was a silent part of enormous music history. We’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Danny Ray, whose name was largely unknown, but whose role in music history is clear. Ray was the “cape man” and emcee for the legendary James Brown. The Augusta, Georgia resident was 85, and died of natural causes.
Brown’s iconic live shows were known for their theatrics, and Ray, getting the crowd revved up working to place or take off Brown’s ornate cape, was pure theater at its finest.
Ray worked with the Godfather of Soul for more than 40 years and remained a local legend. After Brown's death, Ray moved to a senior citizen community, while emcee'ing events from time to time around town. More about his life, post James Brown, was covered nicely by the Augusta Courier in a 2011 story.
Danny Ray is another of those men and women who helped to create the Golden Age of Soul Music, quietly making memories for literally millions of fans around the world. May he rest in peace.