Charlie Ray

Charlie & Ray (they were always known only by their first names) are best known for one thing — they were unabashedly gay, this at a time when it wasn’t widely publicized what one’s sexual orientation was. In 1955, Charlie & Ray’s first hit, “I Love You Madly” for Herald Records, caused something of a minor sensation, but it wasn’t until they recorded a solid up-tempo clarinet-driven rocker, “Dearest One,” that they hit pay dirt again. Further releases failed to connect with fans and by 1957 they called it quits. ~ Bryan Thomas