Ray Mosca, a consummate jazz drummer and a member of Local 802 for 75 years, died in New York on June 10, 2024 at the age of 91.

A native New Yorker, Ray was introduced to music at an early age by his uncles, Don Romeo (guitar and banjo with Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra) and Bob Romeo (saxophone and clarinet with the Joe Venuti Band.)

As a teenager, Ray’s style was influenced by drummers such as Gene Krupa, Roy Haynes, Angelo Ferrara and Louie Bellson.

In his early 20’s Ray joined pianist Alex Kallao’s Trio at “The Embers” in New York, where he played opposite of “Papa” Jo Jones, who would become his best friend and mentor.

Ray played with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of the 20th century and traveled the world extensively with such international stars as Carmen McRae, Lena Horne and Hazel Scott.

He also played gigs with jazz greats such as Mary Lou Williams, Zoot Zims, Cy Coleman, George Wallington, Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Hampton Hawes, Lennie Tristano and Marion McPartland.

In the late 1950’s Ray toured for three years with the George Shearing Quintet, which led to Ray’s appearance in the movie “Jazz On A Summer Day.” This was followed by three years with the Billy Taylor Trio at the New York Hickory House.

Ray was also a member of three different Benny Goodman bands, and frequently worked with Bobby Hackett, Oscar Peterson,Teddy Wilson and Earl Hines.

Known for his exceptional brush work, Ray played with the Dorothy Donegan Trio beginning in the 1980’s until her death in 1998. He then played with the Mike Longo Trio until Mike’s death in 2020.

Ray spent a lifetime of doing what he loved, playing the drums. He was also a master story-teller who garnered admiration with his encounters with the greatest musicians in the history of jazz.

Ray is survived by his partner of more than 50 years, Sydne Livingston, and his stepchildren Rod and Quinn.

See also Bill Crow’s tribute to Ray Mosca in this issue of Allegro.