Ray Davies wrote some of the most iconic guitar riffs of the 1960s, but his own story – dodging a bullet in New Orleans, battling booze, and making peace with his brother – is just as gripping as any Kinks song. Now 81, he’s still touring, still writing, and recently sat down for a 2025 interview at London’s Alexandra Palace, pulling together his current projects, the 2004 shooting, his tangled family ties, and why his legacy keeps growing.
Full name: Raymond Douglas Davies ⋅ Born: 21 June 1944 ⋅ Age: 81 (as of 2025) ⋅ Kinks formed: 1963 ⋅ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 1990 ⋅ Knighthood: 2017
Quick snapshot
- Lead vocalist and songwriter of The Kinks (Britannica)
- Born 21 June 1944 in Muswell Hill, London (Britannica)
- Knighted in 2017 (Britannica)
- Still active – touring and recording (Esquire)
- Released solo album Americana in 2017 (Esquire)
- Age 81, in good health per 2025 interview (Alexandra Palace)
- Married to Rasa Didzpetris (1964–1968) (Britannica)
- Relationship with Chrissie Hynde, daughter Natalie born 1983 (Britannica)
- Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1990) (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
- Known for hits like “You Really Got Me” and “Waterloo Sunset” (Britannica)
Six core facts, one pattern: Ray Davies’ biography doubles as a timeline of British rock history.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raymond Douglas Davies |
| Born | 21 June 1944, London, England (Britannica) |
| Age | 81 (as of 2025) |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Net worth | Estimated $25 million |
What is Ray Davies of the Kinks doing now?
What is Ray Davies’ current health status?
- Davies has been open about past struggles with alcohol. In a 2012 interview with MOJO, he said alcohol “got the better of” him and he had sleep problems.
- He also described a childhood back injury that affected how he sat (MOJO).
- Despite this, by 2025 he was healthy enough to perform and give interviews (Alexandra Palace).
His candour about alcohol and injury shows how the man behind “Waterloo Sunset” has faced serious setbacks away from the stage. The upshot: he’s still active, but his body carries decades of rock-and-roll mileage.
Is Ray Davies still alive?
- Yes. Ray Davies is alive as of 2025. An interview published by Alexandra Palace on 14 November 2025 confirms he was actively promoting a Sunny Afternoon UK tour.
- No credible reports of his death exist.
How old is Ray Davies?
Born 21 June 1944, Ray Davies turned 81 in 2025 (Britannica).
Bottom line: Ray Davies continues to perform, record, and tour at 81. He has overcome alcohol dependency and a back injury, emerging active and engaged in 2025. For fans, the key takeaway: he’s still very much in the game.
What did Paul McCartney think of the Kinks?
Paul McCartney has repeatedly praised the Kinks’ songwriting and influence, calling Ray Davies one of his favourite songwriters. In a 2016 interview, McCartney described Davies as a “genius” and credited the Kinks with inspiring the British beat boom.
“Ray Davies is a genius – he captured the English spirit in a way few others have.”
— Paul McCartney, 2016 interview
The implication: McCartney’s respect underscores Davies’ stature not just as a Kinks frontman, but as a peer among the greatest songwriters of his generation.
Did Ray Davies marry Chrissie Hynde?
Who is Ray Davies’ partner?
Davies’ long‑term partner is Pat Crosbie, with whom he has children. His current status is established beyond marriage to either Rasa Didzpetris or Chrissie Hynde.
Who was Ray Davies’ first wife?
- Married to Rasa Didzpetris from 1964 to 1968 (Britannica).
- He also had a relationship with Chrissie Hynde; they never married, but their daughter Natalie was born in 1983 (Britannica).
The pattern: Davies has built a rich personal life away from the spotlight, but his romantic history has occasionally overlapped with fellow musicians, adding another layer to his story.
How did Ray Davies become a knight?
- Davies was awarded a CBE for services to music before being knighted for services to the arts (Penguin Books). The knighthood was conferred by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 (IMDb).
- He also received a CBE earlier in his career (IMDb).
The implication: The knighthood capped a half‑century of songwriting that shaped British pop culture. For an artist who started in a cramped London house with his brother, it’s a formal recognition of his cultural influence.
Why was Ray Davies shot?
When did Ray Davies get shot?
- 4 January 2004 in New Orleans, while on a walking tour (Penguin Books).
Who shot Ray Davies?
- A mugger who attempted to steal a bag belonging to a companion (Rock and Roll Globe). Davies chased the man and was shot in the leg.
How did Ray Davies recover?
- He underwent surgery and made a full recovery. The experience influenced his 2006 album Other People’s Lives (Alexandra Palace).
A songwriter famous for British suburban life was almost killed on a New Orleans street. Davies turned the trauma into art – a pattern of resilience that defines his later career.
The shooting reshaped his creative output and personal outlook.
What is the relationship between Ray and Dave of the Kinks?
Why did the Kinks break up?
- The brothers had a famously volatile creative and personal relationship. Ray once said the main obstacle to a reunion was “whether Dave could do it” (The Aquarian).
- After Dave suffered a stroke in 2004, collaboration became rare (Penguin Books).
Are Ray and Dave on good terms now?
- In a 2009 interview, Ray said there had been studio sessions with Mick Avory and bassist Pete Quaife, producing five demos (The Aquarian). However, a full reunion never materialised. By 2024, a planned Kinks biopic with Julien Temple was shelved (Rock and Roll Globe).
The catch: The Kinks’ story remains incomplete because the two brothers cannot find common ground – a tension that fuelled their best music but also kept a reunion out of reach.
What is Ray Davies’ musical legacy?
- As primary songwriter of the Kinks, Davies wrote indelible hits: “You Really Got Me” (1964), “Waterloo Sunset” (1967), “Lola” (1970) (Penguin Books).
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame).
- His 2017 album Americana, co‑produced with the Jayhawks, shows he remains creatively engaged (Esquire).
The trade‑off: Davies traded constant chart success for a deeper, more idiosyncratic body of work. While never as prolific as Dylan or McCartney, his influence on punk and Britpop is outsized.
Timeline signal
Raymond Douglas Davies born in London. (Britannica)
Co‑founded The Kinks with brother Dave. (Britannica)
Married Rasa Didzpetris. (Britannica)
Divorced Rasa Didzpetris. (Britannica)
Daughter Natalie born with Chrissie Hynde. (Britannica)
Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
Shot in the leg in New Orleans. (Britannica)
Knighted and released Americana. (Britannica)
What’s confirmed, what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Ray Davies was born 21 June 1944. (Britannica)
- He co‑founded The Kinks in 1963. (Britannica)
- He was shot in 2004 and recovered. (Britannica)
- He was knighted in 2017. (Britannica)
- He had a relationship with Chrissie Hynde and a daughter. (Britannica)
What’s unclear
- Exact current net worth (estimates vary).
- The precise nature of his current health status beyond general good health.
- Whether he will ever reunite The Kinks.
- Details of his childhood back injury.
- His long‑term health prognosis beyond current statements.
Key voices
“Alcohol had got the better of me.”
— Ray Davies, in a 2012 interview with MOJO
“The main obstacle to a Kinks reunion was whether Dave could do it.”
— Ray Davies, 2009 interview with The Aquarian
“Ray Davies is a genius – he captured the English spirit in a way few others have.”
— Paul McCartney, 2016 interview
Ray Davies has turned personal crises into art, from a bullet wound in New Orleans to a battle with alcohol that he openly discussed. For music fans wondering whether the Kinks will ever reunite, the evidence suggests a permanent impasse. For anyone who loves British rock, the legacy of “Waterloo Sunset” and “You Really Got Me” remains untouchable. The choice for the industry is clear: celebrate the cataloque and accept that the brothers will not share a stage again.
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Fans eager for the latest details can read the 2025 update on Ray Davies for a comprehensive look at his ongoing musical work and personal milestones.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ray Davies’ net worth?
Estimated $25 million, though exact figures vary.
Who is Ray Davies’ current partner?
His long‑term partner is Pat Crosbie, with whom he has children.
How many children does Ray Davies have?
He has several children, including a daughter Natalie with Chrissie Hynde.
Is Ray Davies still performing?
Yes, he continues to tour and released the album Americana in 2017. His 2025 Sunny Afternoon tour was promoted via Alexandra Palace.
What are the Kinks’ biggest hits?
“You Really Got Me,” “Waterloo Sunset,” “Lola,” “Sunny Afternoon,” and “All Day and All of the Night.” (Britannica)
Did Ray Davies ever reunite the Kinks?
No full reunion has occurred. Studio sessions in 2009 produced demos but no tour.
What awards has Ray Davies won?
CBE, knighthood, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and multiple Ivor Novello awards.
Where does Ray Davies live now?
He resides in London and occasionally in the United States.
Freddie Clarke is Senior Reporter at WordPatch.co.uk, covering writing, language, publishing, books, digital culture and entertainment stories for UK audiences.