Ray Caruana's life is a compelling story of musical talent, personal battles, and unwavering determination. Born in Malta, Ray moved to the UK at the age of five. As the son of a professional singer, his musical journey began early. By the age of 12, he had already made history as the youngest performer to appear at the London Palladium for "Night of a 1,000 Stars." This early exposure to music set the stage for a career that would see him perform with orchestras and even lead him to the Eurovision stage.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Ray's father, an opera singer, recognised his son's potential and began training him from a young age. "He said that you can sing, and he started training me at the age of five and that went through till I was 16 years old and always with big orchestras, that's why I got a liking for live musicians," Ray recounted in an interview with ESCBubble's Matt in August 2021. This early start fostered a deep appreciation for live music, which would become a hallmark of Ray's performances.
Eurovision and Live Report
In the late 1980s, Ray became the lead vocalist for Live Report, a band initially called Midnight Blue. The group included talented musicians such as John Beeby, Brian Hodgson, Maggie Jay, Mike Bell, and Peter May. Hodgson, a former member of the UK pop group Matchbox, brought significant experience to the band, having written many hits.
Live Report's big break came in 1989 when they competed in the BBC Television's "A Song for Europe" contest with the song "Why Do I Always Get it Wrong?". The song, initially titled "No More Sad Songs," garnered an impressive 111,996 votes, far surpassing the runner-up's 51,449 votes. This victory earned them the right to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in Lausanne, where they finished a close second to Yugoslavia's entry "Rock Me" by Riva.
A Battle Against Heroin
The success of Eurovision was not the only significant chapter in Ray's life. The 1970s saw him living a life of excess, characterised by substantial earnings, luxury living, and a dangerous addiction to heroin. "Yeah, I had bundles of cash," Ray reminisced in an interview with Jane O'Connell. His addiction spanned 11 years and drained his finances. However, in 1981, Ray made the life-changing decision to quit heroin cold turkey, a feat he describes as "no big deal, like having the flu for a month."
Family and Advocacy
Ray's personal life took a positive turn when he met Pauline, who would become his wife. Together, they have a son, Cesare, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a condition related to mild autism. Ray's dedication to his son is unwavering, and he has channelled his tenacity into advocating for children with similar conditions. He joined PACT (Parents of Autistic Children Together) and has been actively raising funds and awareness for the organisation.
Ray's approach to his son's condition is pragmatic and protective. "If his son has a tantrum and is stared at by passers-by, he will confront the onlooker. 'I say to them: He has a problem. What's yours?'," he stated, highlighting his intolerance for judgemental attitudes.
Continued Musical Pursuits
Despite the challenges, Ray has never strayed far from music. He even participated in the Maltese heat of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest with "Scarlet Song," where he finished second. Until a few years ago Ray remained open to the idea of returning to Eurovision, albeit representing a country other than the UK due to past conflicts with the BBC and record companies.
Ray Caruana's journey is a testament to resilience and passion. From his early days in Malta to the heights of Eurovision fame, through personal battles and advocacy for his son, Ray's story is one of overcoming adversity and staying true to one's roots. Now in his seventies, Ray continues to inspire with his music and his dedication to family.
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