In the period of 1970's, most of the bands that were playing 1950's rock'n'roll and rockabilly were using bass guitar. Ray Campi was one of rare players that kept the tradition of slap bass alive. Those who attended some of his shows remembers his charismatic performance and influential stage persona. Ray's appearance at the "Blue Suede Shoes", a three day rock'n'roll festival that happened in England in 1979, was the introduction of slap bass to many young Teddy Boys and rockers. This legendary concert was later released as a feature film that remained as the evidence of Ray's performance on this wild weekend.

Originally from New York (born in Yonkers, NY in 1934), Ray Campi was always drawn to southern culture and music. He moved to Austin, Texas when he was ten and soon started learning to play standard and steel guitar. He made many recordings in the 1950's, but it wasn't untill 1970's when his career took off when he switched to upright bass and was rediscovered by Ronny Weiser. He released thirteen of Ray's albums and dozen of singles for his record label Rollin' Rock. Ray Campi's music is now available on more than 55 vinyl records and CDs worldwide.

I'm proud to present to you here, on the Art of Slap Bass, member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the musician known as the King of Rockabilly: