One of the greatest of the transition singers between the crooners and the rockers, Johnnie was the only son of Elmer and Hazel Ray. After partially losing his hearing in a youthful accident, he began singing locally in a wild, flamboyant style that soon made him an international sensation. His early songs, such as "Cry" and "The Little White Cloud That Cried", were major hits, but his open bisexuality and brushes with the law caused his star to wane in the US. He remained popular in the UK and Australia until his death, which came after a lifelong intake of pills and liquor.