Ray Kaczmarek

Ray Kaczmarek's (aka, Dr. Ray Kaz) earliest influences started in elementary school playing in the school band and singing in the choir. It was then he knew music would always be a part of his life. As he grew older he heard his first taste of amazing music by listening to a Black Sabbath and Kiss album his sister brought home. Eager for more great rock n roll his uncle turned him on to amazing guitarists in the 80's and gave him Waysted Vices. Once he heard Night of the Wolf, he ran out and purchased his own copy, playing it until he wore it out. Little did Dr. Ray know that Ron E. Kayfield would end up in his life. He was also turned on to Triumph where he was taken back by the vocals of Rik Emmett and wanted to take what he already learned about singing and apply it to be able to sing like Rik. It was then his friends told him that he had a great range, as he was able to hit the highs and mids of Fight the Good Fight and Magic Power.

It was 1986 when Dr. Ray met Ron E. Kayfield through a friend. At first Dr. Ray was awe struck that he was hanging around the guitarist he once listened to with his uncle several years prior. Ray and Ron formed a great friendship that gave Dr. Ray the opportunity to attend rehearsals of the original Saints and Sinners lineup. It was then Top Kilson entered Dr. Ray's life. Then one day, Ron asked Dr. Ray if he would like to be a roadie for the band and without hesitation started learning all there was to know about how to set the stage up. As the 1986 wore on and Dr. Ray proved himself to be committed to the band and the friendship with Ron and Top continued to evolve and solidify. Ron knew Dr. Ray loved singing all the Saints and Sinners songs and asked if he would like to sing a few during rehearsal. Scared out of his mind he hit all the notes to the point where Ron invited him up on stage one night to sing two songs.

A month or so after the gig, Ron asked Dr. Ray if he would like to join the band, play keyboards and sing backing vocals. Nervous, Dr. Ray took on the task of using what he remembered in his elementary days and with the help of Ron and Top Kilson learned how to play keyboards. As his skills grew, he got the opportunity to play many local gigs in the Philadelphia area. Living out his dream, he was even more shocked when asked to play keyboards on the first Saints and Sinners CD. Dr. Ray put his career in medicine on hold to go out on tour and recording new music.

Unfortunately in 1992 Dr. Ray's life turned up side down when he nearly lost his life in an auto accident. Initially paralyzed in the hospital, his work ethic and beliefs enabled him to walk out with only one paralyzed arm. Dr. Ray went in to hiding and gave up on everything including many of his friendships. It was in 2008 when he attended a gig that Ron and Top were playing along with Bob Jones on drums. It was as if Ron, Top and Ray never parted ways. A year later Ron approached Dr. Ray again wanting him to be part of Ron E. Kayfield and Company by playing keyboards on the New Vices EP. Dr. Ray was very cautious, as he did not think he could play keyboard with one hand. With the backing of his family and the strong brotherhood of Ron and Top behind him, Dr. Ray is once again beginning the next chapter of his music career.