Ray Conniff holds a special place in my heart, not just because of his incredible music career but also through a personal connection. My father-in-law, Ron Scott, was a longtime friend and financial advisor to Ray. Over the years, through stories from Ron and my involvement with the Conniff Foundation, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the man behind the timeless melodies and the legacy he left behind.
Ray was born in 1916 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, into a family where music was a way of life. His father was a trombonist, and his mother played piano, so it’s no surprise that Ray’s path was shaped by music from an early age. He studied music formally at Juilliard, where his passion for arranging began to take root. Even during World War II, while serving in the Army, he played in the Army Band, further honing his skills.
After the war, Ray’s career took off. He worked as a trombonist and arranger for swing bands before joining Columbia Records, where Mitch Miller recognized his unique talent. Ray arranged hits for some of the biggest names of the day, including Johnny Mathis and Marty Robbins, but it was when he stepped out on his own that his true genius shone.
In 1956, Ray formed the Ray Conniff Singers, and the world of music was never the same. Their debut album, S'Wonderful, introduced a sound that was fresh and irresistible: a blend of instrumental orchestration with wordless vocal harmonies that felt as if the voices themselves were part of the instruments. The album was a hit, and Ray was on his way to becoming a household name. His music wasn’t just popular; it was groundbreaking. Albums like Somewhere My Love and 'S Marvelous became staples in homes around the world, and “Somewhere My Love,” his adaptation of “Lara’s Theme” from Doctor Zhivago, earned him a Grammy Award.
What many people may not know is how central Ray’s wife, Vera, was to his life and career. Vera was his muse and partner, providing unwavering support as Ray’s career soared. They traveled the world together, and her influence could be felt in the warmth and romance of his music. Vera’s elegance and grace complemented Ray’s creative brilliance, and the two were a perfect team. Their daughter, Tamara, grew up surrounded by this love of music and has carried forward the Conniff family’s passion for the arts.
Ray’s music wasn’t just an American phenomenon; it had an especially profound impact in South America. To this day, his albums are celebrated and revered in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. His concerts in the region were met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and his timeless arrangements continue to resonate deeply with fans there. It’s incredible to think that, even decades later, his music holds such a treasured place in the hearts of millions.
Ray continued recording and performing well into his later years, always adapting his sound to new trends while staying true to his signature style. His humility and dedication to his craft never wavered, even as he achieved global fame. When Ray passed away in 2002, he left behind not just a musical legacy but a personal one as well.
That’s where the Conniff Foundation comes in. Established to honor Ray’s memory, the Foundation focuses on supporting music education, a cause that was dear to his heart. Tamara heads up the gift-giving committee each year, ensuring that resources are thoughtfully distributed to schools and programs that inspire young musicians. Over the years, the Conniff Foundation has donated more than $3,000,000 worthy programs. Some of the organizations that the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation support are Occidental College, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Smithsonian Master Jazz Orchestra, the Kaufman Center for Music, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), American Battlefield Trust, Grammy Museum Foundation Inc, the Eastman School of Music University of Rochester and many, many more.
It’s a privilege for me, as the Foundation’s Portfolio Manager, to oversee its growth and help ensure Ray’s legacy thrives. Ray Conniff’s music continues to bring joy and comfort to people around the world. His ability to blend voices and instruments into something so uniquely beautiful was truly a gift. And through the work of the Conniff Foundation, his impact on the world of music will only continue to grow, inspiring harmony for generations to come.