Hi everyone,

I’m raising funds for a dear family friend Ray C. Williams, an extraordinary drummer, composer, and lifelong contributor to the jazz and gospel music world despite being born totally blind and now, facing a housing crisis.

I met Ray through my late aunt Kelly, who was the singer in the band One Love, a group Ray frequently played drums for. Through her, I was able to witness Ray’s immense musical talent and I'm very grateful to call him a friend.

Ray is a graduate of Temple University’s Jazz Program and has been a working professional musician since the early 1980s. Over the course of his career, he has performed and recorded with some of the most respected names in music, including Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder, Billy Paul, Dexter Wansel, Grover Washington Jr., Patti LaBelle, The O’Jays, Richard Smallwood, and many more. His work spans jazz, soul, gospel, and R&B, and his name is deeply respected throughout the East Coast music community.

What many people don’t realize until they meet him is that Ray was born totally blind. This has never defined him or limited his career. He has never asked to be seen as anything other than what he is: a master drummer committed to his craft.

Today, Ray needs help.

Ray is facing a sudden housing situation that requires him to move or secure new housing on very short notice. This timing could not be worse. Losing stable housing would seriously disrupt his ability to travel, rehearse, store equipment, and commit to scheduled performances, making it extremely difficult for him to continue touring. Touring is not optional for Ray. It is how he earns his income. Being forced into instability at this moment would directly threaten his ability to work and generate the money he relies on to survive.

A note from Ray: "My landlord has said that she is not going to make the necessary repairs that need to be made so that the house I am renting will pass the section 8 inspection. Therefore, Section 8 will not pay the monthly cost difference for my rent, and because of that she is holding me responsible. I have to come up with $3079 in order to stay here until at least the end of April when my lease runs out. I’m absolutely worried sick about it, and I don’t know what to do or where to turn, so I’m hoping that this can be the avenue with which I raise this money."

As a blind man, it takes him a long time to acclimate to a new living environment, which makes this transition even more challenging.

Funds raised will be used for:

-Housing Repairs

-Moving expenses (if necessary)

-Temporary housing support if needed

-Ensuring Ray can continue working and touring

Helping Ray means keeping him working. It means protecting his independence and ability to earn through the craft he has spent a lifetime perfecting.

Ray has given decades of music, mentorship, and inspiration to others. If his work has ever moved you, or if you believe artists deserve dignity and stability, any support would mean the world.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Visibility helps more than you know.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with Ray during this critical moment.

With gratitude,

Jazmin