Ricardo Ray, born Richard Maldonado Morales on February 15, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, is a vibrant figure in the Latin music scene, often lauded as one of the pioneers of the boogaloo sound that fused R&B with mambo and other Latin rhythms in the 1960s. Trained as a classical pianist, Ray was drawn to the energy and complexity of Latin music during his youth, a passion that he would later channel into his dynamic recordings and performances.

As the leader of Ricardo Ray & Bobby Cruz, a collaboration with his long-time friend and fellow musician Bobby Cruz, Ricardo Ray became a prominent name in salsa and Latin jazz. With their band, they crafted a sound that was deeply rooted in Afro-Caribbean traditions yet innovative and ahead of its time. Among their noteworthy releases, albums such as "Arrives," "Los Differentes En Puerto Rico," "Three Dimensions," "On the Scene," and the single "Arrives / Comejen" have helped cement their legacy. Their music not only stirs the dance floor but has been influential in shaping the genre, inspiring countless artists and earning Ricardo Ray a celebrated spot in Latin music history.