Although Ray Rector's mom swore it wasn't true, many people insist that he must have been born with those drumsticks in his hands. She was the one, however, that bought him his first snare drum when he was very young. What was she thinking!
Ray's family was indeed musical! His father played the trumpet, and his mom played the piano. His brothers brought in another trumpet, the sousaphone, one baritone and one tenor saxophone.

His mother's dedication was very apparent from the outset. She supported the musical talents of her children and encouraged their growth at every turn. She even made the band uniforms! Imagine her pride when Ray's band - "The Ratz" - opened for the Byrds and the Rolling Stones!

When the "Ratz" band parted company, Gary Duncan, the lead guitarist became a founding member of "Quicksilver Messenger Service"

Sorry to say Mom's gone. But, the beat goes on. Throughout his college years with a major in music, Ray continued to hone his skills as a percussionist. He worked the silver club circuit with the likes of saxophonist Hayward Lee and David Hooks, the bassist for the one-and-only James Brown.

Music was then put on hold when Uncle Sam sent Ray to serve in Vietnam. When his Army tour ended, however, it was back on the road again! His travels took him from Los Angeles to Chicago and from Seattle to Amarillo.

When he landed again in Modesto, California, Ray rekindled a musical relationship with some former "Ratz" band mates. He joined their group "Homegrown". While performing with them Ray met Becky who was to become the love of his life.

In 1986, Ray and Becky moved to Sacramento, California. They pooled their musical tastes and talents to form "Thee Rector Set." They enjoyed the music, but soon learned that lots of music and travel wasn't going to allow them to effectively raise their family. The family won, but the musical energy remained so they devoted their time and talent to their church choir and orchestra. This was very fulfilling, and after joining the Bayside Church, in Granite Bay, they formed a group known as "D'Vine Rhythm" and again enjoyed performing in various venues.

When the nest became empty, Ray determined to seek out ways to continue his love for music. He wanted to play music that felt good and made people want to dance. Zydeco music filled that bill. Over the years Ray played everything else, with everyone else, but for his own listening pleasure and practicing time it was Zydeco.

Ray loved the feel, fun, rhythmic pulse and energy of Zydeco music. However, he could not find it to join-up with in the Sacramento area!

So, guess what? Ray and Becky formed "Z.O.O.M." aka: "ZydecoOnOurMind"!

“Zydeco” is exactly what Ray now has “On his Mind”!!!

The group gives him a chance to bring his intense passion and emotional style to his drums. He knows the genre well and it all shows in his "Right On" presentation of the innuendos of Zydeco. His playing is beyond good because the rhythm is every part of him.

Give yourself a treat and hear Ray bring out the music.