Robert Ray Whitley (November 22, 1943 – May 5, 2013) was an American beach music composer and singer-songwriter. He was best known for composing hit songs recorded by The Tams and Guy Darrell, and he also released 14 of his own singles between 1961 and 1970.[1][unreliable source?]
Whitely was born in Columbus, Georgia on November 22, 1943 to Robert S. and Willie Bell Whitley.[2] Whitley was 14 when he formed his first band in his hometown.[3] Producer Felton Jarvis soon discovered him in an Atlanta High School.[3] Jarvis introduced Whitley to Atlanta music producer Bill Lowery, who saw Whitley's potential and signed him to a contract.[3]
Whitley's songwriting credits include "What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)" (which reached #9 on the Billboard charts), "I've Been Hurt", "Hey Girl, Don't Bother Me", "You Lied to Your Daddy", and "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" (co-written with J.R. Cobb of the Atlanta Rhythm Section) for The Tams.[1][3][4][5] His compositions were also recorded by Billy Joe Royal, Tommy Roe, Guy Darrell, The Swinging Medallions, Bill Deal and the Rhondels, Mylon LeFevre and Sonia Evans.[1][6]
Whitley toured nationally as a singer and performer, in addition to his work as a songwriter.[3] He was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1991.[3][7]
Later in his life, Whitley struggled with alcoholism and homelessness; as of 2011, he was living in a shelter in Gainesville, Georgia.[5][8] Whitley died on May 5, 2013, after several months of illness.[2] Ray had one child, Christopher.