Hesson, Ray

RAY HESSON

  • A banjo player from Bowie, Maryland.
  • Performs extensively around the Washington, D.C. area.
  • Has taught music since he was in high school. One of his students was actress Goldie Hawn.
  • Retired from the Federal Government (21 years with NASA, 6 years with U.S. Navy).
  • Played with a D.C. group for 20 years called Foggy Bottom.
  • Performs in a duo with his son Michael, and with other children in a group called Pointer Ridge. Ray and Michael performed at Bill Clinton’s first Inaugural Dinner.
  • 1994, won the Winfield banjo contest.
  • 1996, recorded his first banjo instrumental album “Five Picker” (no label).
  • 1996, on the way to register for the banjo contest at Merle Fest, he suffered a heart attack (he recovered.)
  • 1999, released “Windfall” album (Old Line).
  • 2004, released “Sunrise” album (Old Line)
  • 2016, died at the age of 74 after a long illness.