Dave Ray Obituary

I never had the honor of seeing Dave (or John or Tony) perform. But I played my "Return of Koerner Ray and Glover " album over and over throughout my ups and downs in the mid to late 1960's. Now, nearly 40 years later, I load up the"Blues, Rags and Hollers" CD in my car every day, and crank it up for "Snaker's Here."



In thinking of Dave, I like the lyrics of a song by Bill Monroe:



"I breathe his name into the air, it goes I know not where. But if you look to the heart of a friend, you'll find his name written there."



Thanks for what you shared, Dave.

Dave is and always will be my favorite musician and I will miss him mightily. The highlight of my life was having him play at my wedding reception in July 2001. Quite simply, there is no other like him. I am so thankful that he shared his immense talent with us all.

Dave was a hero to me and countless other guitarists. I learned to pick by watching Dave(and ripping him off) When,I was a boy, I would trek down to Dinkytown to watch him play. Over time we became friends. He will be missed, and remebered for his wonderful humour and for the bounty of work he left behind which radiates his blues artisty.

To Dave "Snaker" Ray....the music shall continue.......and we shall continue to honor the spirit of one who meant so much to so many. May the Great Spirit watch over you as you begin your new journey.

Sincerest condolences to the Ray family.I've followed Dave since his "Snaker" days. My most enduring memory is of Dave Ray, the consumate bluesman, holding court at St Anthony East. You never really knew who might make an appearance. One night the line up included four guitars, piano, harp and a slightly dishelveled gentleman playing the tuba. As always, Dave was the glue that held everything together. This guy was the real deal, it was - all about the music. Whether you knew him personally or not, if you love music, you've lost a friend.

I knew Dave for too short a time. We met due to a shared interest in re-introducing what he referred to as "parlor concerts" into people's homes. He quickly turned me from a gawking music fan into someone who simply loved who he was: a warm guy who taught me the art of the righteous rant. He was fully human and I fully appreciate sharing time on earth with him. Bless you Dave

I file Dave,Tony and John's LPs/CDs next to the other masters of the blues.Muddy, Sleepy John, Wolf, Elmore,& Willie Dixon etc.......welcome a great new member to your band.God love you and your family.

We would like to express our condolences to the family of Snaker

Ray, and how very grateful we were to have known him...He was a great teacher of american folk music to all of us Minnesota folkies and blueshounds...he once told me in

'76. "It doesn't matter if you don't play these tunes note per note, man, if you like a piece of music make it accessable to yourself,learn the tune, listen to all the recordings you can of it,then, when you play it it will be in your own style." Charlie Jirousek and David C. Johnson introduced me to Dave and Koerner in the early 70's, because I was a kid folksinger in Duluth and they knew these cats real well and thought I should get to know them...turns out one of the biggest blessings in my life...

Charlie taught me how to make guitars and all of Snaker's tunes..

Dave was always good to me,and I loved him like a brother...He started the Battle of the Jugbands

with Doneckt, just to get everybody together once a year to

play and visit and he spent much of his time gabbing with as many of us as humanly possible...go in

peace, Dave, you served us well and we will never forget you...there's a lot of you in us.. Paul&Barb Pederson

Dave always used to say, "if I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture." He was splendid. I first met him in Milwaukee at the Avant Garde in -- 1967? Mary Jane, if there's any way I can help out, e-me. David, I'll never forget you. Fortunately, we have so many terrific recordings of your music.

While a bartender at the Triangle in the 60's, I greatly enjoyed Dave's music as well as the music of his bandmates. I poured him a few in those days and enjoyed our few conversations.

Dave was one of the "great ones" who made the West (and East) Bank of the U a national destination in the 60's and later.

He will be greatly missed.

Bob Buie, Edina PD, Retired