Jamaica Ray

If you ever stood in line outside the popular north St. Louis City eatery, Crown Candy Kitchen, you’d be familiar with the melody of Jamaican steel drums being played by local artist and musician, Jamaica Ray.

During lunch time, six days a week, Jamaica Ray serenades customers with island music and friendly vibes that makes the typical line to dine in Crown Candy more enjoyable and seem not as bad.

But If we look a little deeper, there’s more to the St. Louis native. Next door to the restaurant Ray occupies a small area where he creates life size mannequins in the likeness of influential celebrities, such as Chuck Berry, Dick Gregory, Barack Obama to local business owners. Using PVC piping, panty hose and filling from old sofas, Ray has a collection of mannequins that are lined up and around Crown Candy. In addition to the mannequins, he also uses scrapped satellite dishes to create paintings, clocks and penny banks. 

Ray often tries to use his art to increase awareness on certain issues. While putting the finishing touches on a mannequin, he points out the added apron that reads “Stay in School”. “Often times, the kids these days feel that all they need to do is make a little money, and not take their education seriously. A kid makes $175 and thinks it’s ok to drop out of school. They should still want their education”, Ray added.

So if you’re ever in the area to enjoy a classic milkshake or BLT, stop by and say hello to “Jamaica Ray”. He a really kind spirit that really enjoys putting a smile on people faces through love, art and music. Yea’mon!