Born on May 24, 1962, in Harlem. Attended Julia Richmond High School, where he performed in a dance class, and later auditioned for Louis Falco, the choreographer for the film, Fame (1980). Actually attended New York's "High School of the Performing Arts" for a year, before being kicked out. He was, therefore, perfectly cast as "Leroy" in the film, which won Academy Awards for best song and original score. Like his character in the film, Ray had never had professional dance training but had an abundance of raw talent. In 1982, he toured Britain, to perform with other "Fame" cast members in 10 concerts. Fame: The Kids from Fame in Concert (1983), a television special about the tour, was broadcast in the United States, a year later.