R.I.P.: Ray Thomas, Founding Member of The Moody Blues

Ray Thomas December 29, 1941 – January 4, 2018)

The Moody Blues star Ray Thomas has died at the age of 76. The flautist and vocalist died suddenly on Thursday, his record label said.

Ray Thomas

Cherry Red Records and Esoteric Recordings said in a statement: “We are deeply shocked by his passing and will miss his warmth, humour and kindness. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him and our thoughts are with his family and his wife, Lee, at this sad time.”

In 2014 Thomas revealed on his website that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He said he had received his diagnosis in 2013.

Born in Stourport-on-Severn on 29 December 1941, Thomas started out in blues and soul groups in the 1960s and later formed the Moody Blues alongside Mike Pinder, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge and Clint Warwick. Their hits included Go Now, Nights In White Satin and Question.



 Thomas also enjoyed solo success with the albums From Mighty Oaks and Hopes Wishes & Dreams.

Born in 1941, Thomas founded The Moody Blues in 1964 with fellow musicians including Mike Pinder and Denny Laine.

The band soon swapped blues roots for a more orchestral sound that came to be called progressive rock. Thomas's flute solo was a key ingredient on one of its biggest hits, "Nights in White Satin."

The band is due to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio in April.