AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 15, 2016 – Paul Ray, Texas Radio Hall of Famer and host of “Twine Time” on KUTX, died today He was 73.
Ray hosted “Twine Time” on KUTX 98.9 – which spun out of KUT 90.5 as a full-time music service in 2013 – since 1978 when he teamed up with KUT music hosts Bill Bentley and Pat Crumhorn for the monthly rhythm and blues show, which went weekly in 1979.
For nearly 40 years, “Twine Time” has been the de facto soundtrack for Austin’s Saturday night. Occasional specials celebrated everything from Elvis’ birthday to gospel music – all of it fueled by Ray’s encyclopedic knowledge, passion and a music collection that numbered more than 5,000 records.
“There’s no doubt that Paul left an indelible mark on the Texas music scene – from his early years performing in Dallas, to his nearly 50 years in Austin as both a musician and a radio host,” said Matt Reilly, KUTX program director. “His legacy will live on through the countless musicians he inspired and the fans who looked to him as an encyclopedia of musical history. He will always be an Austin treasure.”
Ray and “Twine Time” received many local awards, including “Twine Time” being named “Best Radio Program” in the Austin Chronicle 2014 Austin Music Industry Awards, Paul Ray & The Cobras being inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and Ray receiving multiple “Best DJ” awards in the Austin Chronicle Music awards starting in 1981. In addition to hosting “Twine Time,” he previously hosted “Paul Ray’s Jazz” on KUT.
Ray founded the Dallas blues band Paul Ray & the Cobras, which helped launch musician Stevie Ray Vaughan’s career.
Ray died at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center. He is survived by his wife Diana.
KUT and KUTX will air a special tribute to Ray at 7 p.m. Jan. 23.
Update (1/19/16): Paul Ray’s friends and family have created a You Caring fund raising page to help defray medical and funeral expenses.
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Background information:
Blues for Life, The Austin Chronicle Nov. 6, 1998
Paul Ray & the Cobras, The Austin Chronicle Austin Music Database
Contact:
Erin Geisler (512) 475-8071