Ray refused an offer from Blood, Sweat & Tears. He didn’t want to tour & drugs were issues.

 

Raymond A. Cawley, a man I worked with in a dental laboratory and friend was a drummer. 

As a teenager Ray played in band. In Philly he sat in with Coltrane & other jazz giants when he could. Ray played in the Army Band in Germany. Ray played the pubs in Europe sitting in with U.S. jazz musicians. 

Ray is survived by Raymond P. (Jillian) and Sinead Cawley. 

Talking with Ray was always a wonderful experience. So many stories. 

One story as I recall it:

The band leader of the Army Band wanted the auditorium dark. The band would play, then the lights would go on. That meant setting up in darkness. Ray did a drum roll and hit the cymbals. The cymbals were the signal for the lights to come on. When the lights came on the cymbals were rolling on the floor. Ray didn’t secure them. He just kept playing.

Than there was the prank on General Patton’s son. Ray & two band members put trumpet mutes on their head & saluted when Patton’s car went by. Patton was furious.They got away with it. 

I hope Ray plays on with a band somewhere. The band will be laughing. I miss him.

Rolling Stone

Blood, Sweat, and Blackmail: How an Iron Curtain Tour Ruined a Rock Giant

In 1970, Blood, Sweat & Tears were the biggest band in America. Then the State Department tapped them for a tour they couldn’t refuse

Jon Blistein March 21, 2023