Ray Kinney was born on September 26, 1900 in Hilo, Hawaii. At age 15, he was sent to school in Salt Lake City where he formed a band with his brothers. In 1928, Ray joined Johnny Noble's radio show and signed with Brunswick Records later that same year. He began touring the US mainland and had an 11-month engagement at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel. In 1936, Decca Records signed Johnny Noble and His Orchestra with Kinney as vocalist. He became the first Hawaiian entertainer in a major Broadway production when he was cast in Hellzapoppin' in September 1938. During World War II, Kinney toured military bases extensively, playing at 157 bases and clubs. After the war, he returned to Hawaii and joined Don McDiarmid's Orchestra at the Kewalo Inn. Ray composed many songs including "Across the Sea" and "Hawaiian Hospitality". He signed his last recording contract with RCA at age 65. Kinney died on February 1, 1972 in Honolulu.
