Ray Davies

Ray Davies was born in London in 1944 and taught himself guitar as a teenager, forming his first band The Ravens. In 1963, he started The Kinks with his brother Dave Davies on guitar, Mick Avory on drums, and Pete Quaife on bass. Their 1964 single 'You Really Got Me' became a global hit with its raw, energetic sound that helped define the British Invasion.

Davies wrote songs that ranged from gritty rock to more introspective material, sometimes causing tension within the band. The Kinks released albums like 'The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society' in 1968 and 'Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One' in 1970. His solo work includes tracks like 'London Song' and 'The Getaway (Lonesome Train)' that continue his exploration of character and place.

While the band faced challenges including a U.S. ban in 1965 and Dave Davies's departure in 1969, they maintained a prolific output for over two decades. Davies's songwriting remained central throughout, with later solo material like 'Art School (Dialogue)' and 'Calling Home' showing his continued interest in narrative and observation.