Ray “Eye Patch” Sawyer was born on February 1, 1937, in Chickasaw, Alabama. He was a singer best known for his work with Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show in the 1970s. Ray Sawyer’s Net Worth is estimated at $9 million.
Though primarily a supporting vocalist and sometimes drummer on congas or maracas, he sang lead on the band’s best-known song, “The Cover of Rolling Stone,” and was a distinctive figure in the band owing to his eyepatch and cowboy hat.
Full Name | Ray Sawyer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | February 1, 1937 |
Age | 81 years |
Place of Birth | Chickasaw, Alabama, U.S. |
Occupation | Singer |
Relationship Status | Married |
Net Worth | $9 million |
Early Life:
He was born in Chickasaw, Alabama, which he describes as a “little rural town.” He showed interest in playing guitar when he was only eleven as he was highly inspired by Hank Williams and New Orleans blues and R&B musicians like Smiley Lewis and Huey Smith.
As a musician, he frequently worked in New Orleans, where he met Mac Rebennack (aka Dr. John), and he was also a prominent presence on the music scene in Mobile. Ray Sawyer was so good that many people mistakenly thought he was Dr. Hook. The name, on the other hand, was intended to be used by the entire band.
Family Life:
Ray Sawyer, a musician, and vocalist was born on February 1, 1937, and passed away on December 28, 2018. He married his wife, Linda, in 1969. His kid followed in his father’s footsteps and became a musician.
Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show was founded in 1968 after releasing songs in the early 1960s. He was famous for his on-stage eyepatch and cowboy hat. He worked with musicians such as Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
Professional Career:
Sawyer, a Monroeville native, began professionally playing the drums at the age of 17 in Mobile. He was engaged in a vehicle accident in 1967 while on a fishing trip to Oregon. He lost vision of one eye and had to use a wheelchair for one year.
After his recovery, Sawyer relocated to Los Angeles, then to the East Coast, where he met Dennis Loccorriere. Dr. Hook was created by the two, and their first significant work was in the Dustin Hoffman film “Who Is Harry Kellerman, and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” They quickly agreed to terms with C.
They quickly signed with CBS Records and began publishing singles including “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” “Sylvia’s Mother,” “Only Sixteen,” “Sexy Eyes,” “Sharing The Night,” and “Beautiful Woman.” The band members split up in the early 1980s, and Sawyer signed with Mel Tillis’ media business and launched a singing career as a country singer-songwriter.
Dr. Hook:
Dr. Hook was founded in 1968 by three ex-Chocolate Papers members: Sawyer, guitarist George Cummings, and keyboardist Billy Francis. The lineup was completed by Dennis Locorriere, a Union City resident, on lead vocals after Cummings invited the others to join him.
Sawyer had gotten his eye patch by this point, after being injured in a vehicle accident in Portland, Oregon, where he had gone to test out for a new job as a logger. He left Dr. Hook to explore more about the music industry.
Car Accident:
The Alabama-born singer joined Dr. Hook in 1969, one year after losing an eye in a car crash, which led to his wearing his iconic eyepatch, which made him imitate Peter Pan villain Captain Hook and provided a motivation for the band’s name.
Following his departure from the group, he traveled as Dr. Hook, Featuring Ray Sawyer regularly, having been granted permission by Locorriere, the owner of the Dr. Hook trademark. In 2005, Sawyer was honored in Alabama’s Music Hall of Fame. He had to stop traveling in 2015 due to bad health.
Ray Sawyer’s Net Worth:
Ray Sawyer’s eyepatch, bristling mustache, and tattered, badge-festooned hat were apparent visual signatures of Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. Raw, who was a famous vocalist and rock singer, had a net worth of 9 million.
Although Sawyer, who died at the age of 81, usually played drums and performed background vocals, his voice was heard prominently on one of the group’s singles, The Cover of Rolling Stone, which reached No. 6 on the U.S. chart in March 1973. This followed the band’s previous year’s breakthrough with Sylvia’s Mother, which peaked at No. 2 in the U.K. and No. 5 in the U.S.
Conclusion
Sawyer was an incredible rock single and music vocalist. His work in the music industry is remarkable and is an inspiration for many. He motivated his son to pursue his passion. Ray sawyer’s net worth is about $9 million.
Sawyer performed the nostalgia circuit as Dr. Hook featuring Ray Sawyer from 1988 until October 2015, under permission from Locorriere, who travels independently and controls the Dr. Hook brand. Sawyer retired in 2015 and died on December 31, 2018, at 81, following a short sickness.