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The Ray King Experience

Vibert Cornwall was Coventry's first Black professional musician, and under the name of Ray King became a leading soul performer in the 1960s and 1970s. The Herbert has worked with Vibert to create a film about his life and career which also gives a fascinating insight into the early days of Coventry's Black community.

Many hours of interviewing with Vibert have given us a wealth of new material for our archives. His memories help to record the liveliness of the Coventry music scene and the glamour of his career as he performed at London's Playboy club and played with stars like Tina Turner. Interviews with other local people bring back memories of late night Caribbean blues parties and the Coventry police ballroom which played host to a wealth of local performers. Vibert's crucial influence on the Two Tone movement is recalled by interviewees Charley Anderson and Neol Davies of The Selecter.

The film is a joint project between our Inclusion and Diversity team and Herbert Media. It was first shown for Black History Month 2007 and we hope that it will be screened at other local festivals before being broadcast on the Community Channel. We are also exploring its potential as a resource for schools. For further information on the project contact Jack Shuttleworth on 024 7678 5168 or email jack.shuttleworth@coventry.gov.uk