Prog-Watch 514
I love the Moody Blues, and I loved Ray Thomas. Late last year I had even resolved to attempt to contact him and interview him for this program. Sadly, that would never come to be as he left this world in early January of this year. So my idea to do a retrospective feature on a legendary man and his music became a tribute to a beloved figure, whom I was never lucky enough to meet, but feel like I knew through his songs. This tribute program covers much of his career with the Moody Blues and a few from his two wonderful solo albums from the mid-1970s. I respectfully dedicated it to Ray’s family and all who knew and loved him.
Raymond Thomas (29 December 1941 – 4 January 2018) was an English musician, singer, founding member and composer in the English progressive rock band The Moody Blues. He appeared on all of the band’s albums – including classics like Days of Future Passed, In Search of the Lost Chord, On The Threshold of a Dream, A Question of Balance, To Our Children’s Children’s Children, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour and Seventh Sojourn – until his retirement in 2002. His flute, harmonica, percussion and rich voice were an integral part of the band’s sound, and he penned more than a few classic songs for the band such as “Twilight Time,” “Legend of a Mind,” “Dr. Livingstone, I Presume,” “Dear Diary,” “For My Lady,” and “And the Tide Rushes In.” In addition to his recorded works with the Moody Blues, Thomas also released a pair of solo albums, From Mighty Oaks (1975) and Hopes, Wishes and Dreams (1976), while the group was on hiatus in the mid-Seventies.
| Ray Thomas at Wikipedia |
Music with some meat to it!
Prog-Watch is a weekly podcast and internet radio program dedicated to bringing the listener contemporary Progressive Rock music from around the world. Your big, hairy host, the “Prog-Squatch” wanders the woods of the world, beats the bushes, and digs in the dirt to bring the best Prog back for YOU! Sometimes solo and sometimes with a guest host, the Prog-Squatch will bring you new and interesting artists in each episode, and give you some background info and a taste of their music.
Want More Squatch? Check him out howling into the wild with his own Progressive Rock Band, Novus. Jam some Squatch in those ears! http://novus3.bandcamp.com/releases
Most definitely a great show Anthony! I would give it 5 headphones instead of stars. Lots of good memeries, and some songs I haven’t heard before.
Thanks, Chuck. I appreciate your feedback and I’m glad you enjoyed listening.
THANK you for sharing this wounderful music of this amazing man. I loved watching Ray and listening to his words and music. I enjoyed every single song and minute of this broadcast. May Ray rest in peace and in the arms of the angles. May his family find peace and comfort in knowing he touched so many hearts and minds a left untold precious memerios behind for us all. Fly High Ray .. Fly High !! 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate your comments and share your sentiments.
Awesome tribute to Ray. Many smiles. Many tears.
Thanks, Karen. I appreciate your comments. My tribute was definitely heart-felt.