When Ray Anderson was 20 years old, a severe case of diabetes impeded his plans for the future when he suffered facial paralysis on one side of his face. Then, his wife passed away after a long battle with cancer, and the trombonist fell ill with laryngeal cancer a short time later. However, nothing could break the man, who is now 62 years old. He fought successfully for his life and, above all, for his music. This virtuoso wind player from Chicago counts free music, New Orleans, funk, new music, bebop, rap, and big band among his influences.