Ray Shulman, guitarist and co-founder of the legendary progressive rock band Gentle Giant, died recently at the age of 73. He died on March 30, after a long illness, in London. Derek Shulman, Ray’s brother and bandmate, confirmed the news on Facebook.
Derek stated:
“I am deeply saddened to announce that Ray Shulman, my younger brother and best friend, passed away on March 30 at his home in London.” I stayed with him until the end as he battled a long illness. At the very least, I know he is at peace now.”
Fans and music enthusiasts around the world were shocked to learn that Ray Shulman had passed away. He is survived by his wife Barbara Tanner, older brother and sister Philip and bandmate Derek Shubhman.
After Gentle Giant broke up in 1980, Ray Shulman continued to work as a composer.
Ray Shulman began his career in the mid-1960s when he joined Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. Shulman provided vocals to the ensemble, as well as bass guitar and violin. Shulman and his mates, his siblings Derek and Phil, formed Gentle Giant after Simon Dupree and Big Sound broke up in 1969.
Gentle Giant, the band’s second record, was released in 1970 and they soon established themselves as one of the most creative and artistically daring bands of the time. Their music included rock, classical, jazz and folk components, as well as complicated beats, elaborate vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumental performances.
Shulman sang backing and lead vocals on many of the band’s songs while playing bass, violin and a variety of other instruments. The Gentle Giant has toured the world, releasing 11 studio recordings and several live CDs. They were known for their extravagant stage performances, which often featured elaborate lighting, dramatic elements and wardrobe changes. Shulman continued to work as a composer and studio guitarist after Gentle Giant broke up in 1980. Electric Progression (1990), The World Within (1999) and The Ray Shulman Project were among his recordings. (2003). In recent years, he has been involved in several revue ventures and homage performances of Gentle Giant songs.
Ray Shulman has been honored by fans around the world.
Shulman has been widely recognized for her efforts as a pianist. When news of the famous musician’s death spread, Twitter was flooded with condolences.
RIP: Ray Shulman What a terrible loss… pic.twitter.com/qqKyO6i92C
— The Prog Corner (@TheProgCorner) April 1, 2023
RIP Ray Shulman. A phenomenally creative singer-songwriter and instrumentalist pic.twitter.com/O4AldvwVwz
— squid testicles (@squidnards) April 2, 2023
More information on Ray Shulman’s Gentle Giant clothing
Shulman’s band, Gentle Giant, has earned critical acclaim and notoriety for its creative, genre-defying music.
Here are some of the band’s notable accolades and honors:
Gentle Giant received the Melody Maker fan vote for Best Group in 1976. The band received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Progressive Music Awards in 2015, which recognizes their achievements in progressive rock music. In 2016, the Octopus band’s album was named one of the “50 Best Prog Rock Albums of All Time” by Rolling Stone. (1972).
Many performers and reviewers have praised The Gentle Giant over the years, and many artists from various styles have cited him as an inspiration. Gentle Giant and their music remained popular with listeners and influenced the evolution of progressive rock and other styles.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education