Instruments Vocals, guitar, bass Name Ray Watts | Years active 1976–2000 | |
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Also known as Ray Beshara, Ray (Beshara) Watts Born January 26, 1957
Guadeloupe ( 1957-01-26 ) Died 12 February 2000(2000-02-12) (aged 43) Genres Reggae, Lovers rock, roots reggae, soul, dance Occupation(s) Musician, singer, songwriter | ||
Ray "Beshara" Watts (26 January 1957 – 12 February 2000), was born on the island of Guadeloupe and was a singer, solo artist and songwriter who lived in Birmingham, England . He was also the lead singer, principal songwriter and a core-founding member of the British reggae band Beshara. As part of Beshara, Ray had success in the UK reggae charts and supported many artists, whilst making several television appearances.
Ray began his solo career in the early 90s and worked with many different record producers. During that time, he travelled to America and worked with the Inner City record producer, Kevin Saunderson. These recordings are yet to be released. He also performed guitar on the Inner City single "Till We Meet Again (Reese in Rio Mix)".
Ray then featured on the recordings "Gotta Be A Change" and "United We Stand" with Pato Banton whilst supporting or sharing the stage with artists such as Pato Banton, China Black, CJ Lewis and Adeva.
Watts died in 2000. He was well known and respected within the Birmingham music scene. In 2001, the ex-Beshara band members arranged a memorial tribute concert for Ray Watts at the Irish Centre, Birmingham. Steel Pulse and Beshara along with many other artists from Birmingham, performed at the concert. In the same year, Pato Banton's album "Life is Miracle", which featured a song written by and featuring Ray Watts called "United We Stand", received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. The song has also featured on the Pato Banton albums, "Universal Love" and "Time Come" (Brazil Version).