"KILLER " RAY ALLISON

 

Born 20 June 1956 in Chicago, "Killer" Ray Allison broke into the Chicago music scene in the early 70's, launching a career that spanned more than four decades. By age 17 he was already playing drums for Muddy Waters and later with James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells and for many years with Buddy Guy. Other artists he performed with include Paul Butterfield, Joe Cocker, and The Rolling Stones. His drumming was so legendary that he was nominated for the W.C. Handy Award (now the Blues Music Award) for the instrument in 1998 and 2000.

Wanting a change, Allison later taught himself guitar, heading his own Killer Ray Allison Band. In 2007, he became a founding member of the Chicago Blues All-Stars, a group of some of the best musicians in the city who tried to create an updated blues sound that would draw a younger audience to the music. The group released their first album, Red, Hot & Blue in 2013.

He was also extensively involved with The Chicago School of Blues, a touring educational exhibition to teach students the history of the genre. Allison would also share his immense knowledge of the blues, mentoring musicians that would come from as far away as Japan to study and play with him; and he never charged them a dime.

Allison was recognized in 2010 as a “Great Master Blues Artist” by the Blues Hall of Fame.

It was said that no one exhibited more joy during a performance than Allison. He would flash that winning smile of his, and the entire room would glow. Bandmate Dan "Chicago Slim" Ivankovich said “In all he did, he was so positive. He was such a gentleman and a role model. He did not drink or use drugs, and he always had such a positive energy. That’s why everyone loved him and enjoyed having him around.”

Ray Allison died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep Wednesday night. He was 60 years old.