Tributes have been paid to Ray King, a pivotal figure in the ska and 2 Tone music scenes, following the announcement of his death. King, born Vibert Cornwall in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, moved to the United Kingdom in 1961 and settled in Coventry two years later, where he pursued his singing aspirations.

Pete Chambers, founder of the Coventry Music Museum, described King's stage presence as akin to James Brown's, noting his ability to command the stage with subtle gestures. Chambers recalled King as a consummate professional and an influential artist. In a 2010 interview, King cited Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, Pat Boone, and Doris Day as early musical influences.

He established the Ray King Soul Band, performing extensively in Coventry with their debut gig at The Walsgrave Club. The band's strong reputation for professionalism and popularity led to a six-month residency at London's Playboy Club. During this period, artists such as Jimmy Hendrix and Paul McCartney occasionally joined the band on stage.

King is remembered fondly as a "Coventry musician who did so much and cared so much about his home city."

Ray King smiling