Sage Collective

June is Black Music Month and we want to honor one of our Vibrant Living program participants who recently passed away, Mr. Ray Bailey.

Ray Bailey was an accomplished musician and band leader as well as an exciting performer of all jazz styles. In the Chicago area he has performed at most major country clubs, hotels and in local jazz clubs such as Andy’s, The Back Room, Bella Vista, The Green Mill, Green Dolphin Street, Pop’s for Champagne, Joe’s Be-bop Café and may others that have come and gone.

The Ray Bailey Jazz Quintet played to standing-room-only crowds for 19 summers in the Garden Café of the Art Institute of Chicago. At the request of the project manager and program director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he has performed at cabaret fund-raisers and at parties for the season opening.

He studied at the Chicago School of Music and the Chicago Conservatory of Music. While traveling with a jazz organ trio he preformed all over the United States and Europe.

Thank you, Ray, for your contribution to music, your contribution to history, and for your vibrant life.