Ray Silkman began playing the saxophone at age 12 after learning that his father, whom he never met, had played the instrument while serving in the Army. Silkman lost his mother to cancer when he was 15 years old. One year later he played his first professional gig with a local band in Florida, where he grew up and studied music. At age 20 Silkman headed to Chicago to gain experience and to take a chance at pursuing his dream. “I came to Chicago with literally nothing but the desire to play my music and be appreciated for it” Silkman said. (Midwest Showcase Magazine)

Silkman’s beginnings were humble yet challenging. Only two weeks after arriving in Chicago, Silkman had been robbed and found himself homeless. To earn money for room and board and possibly a meal he played on street corners and in subway stations for several months. Never wavering he used the lessons of hard work, determination and faith that his mother instilled in him to overcome the adversity and hard times.

Ray Silkman’s first break came when Karen Baker approached him, while performing on the street corners of Oak and Rush in Chicago’s popular uptown neighborhood. Karen Baker, event coordinator, contracted Silkman to perform at an international fashion event, hosted by The Galleria Marchetti and the Como Inn entitled OGGI. Since those days of struggle and sacrifice Ray Silkman has been touted as one of the best sax men in the business. He regularly performs in sold out auditoriums and festivals in Chicago and across the country.

With exclusive performances for Muhammad Ali and repeat engagements before tens of thousands of fans, Ray Silkman has become one of the most sought after and celebrated performers in the Midwest and throughout the US. He has performed at Taste of Chicago, Chicago’s Vic Theater, Detroit Opera House, Grand Rapids Jazz and Blues Festival, Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island, Milwaukee’s Marcus Amphitheater and Jazz on the Green in Washington D.C to name a few. Silkman gained experience and praise opening for such greats at David Sanborn, Kenny G, Art Porter, George Benson, Regina Belle, Peabo Bryson and the Temptations. He has shared the stage with Dave Koz, Tom Scott, Keiko Mattsui, Jeff Lorber, Prince, Janet Jackson and The Sounds of Blackness. Silkman regularly performs the National Anthem for the Chicago Bulls, Bears and White Sox and has been honored as the recipient of the United Arts Initiative 2008 Legends of Jazz Award in Chicago. The late great Benny Carter once said of Silkman “This young man is sure to go places because I can feel his music”.

Ray Silkman has independently released five CD’s including Heartbeat (which sold out in 18 months), A View of Love (a tribute to the late Luther Vandross), Steppers Serenade, SoundCheck (includes the famed jazz hit song “So Saxual” heard on Chicago’s V103, radio stations across the country and in Europe),and his most recent release Ray Silkman LIVE! (featuring the classics “If I Aint Got You” and Europa”). The energy, passion and sound of Ray Silkman’s soul pouring through his saxophone is hypnotic. Additional information is available upon request. We invite your inquiries to Silkscreen Productions or at www.RaySilkman.com
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