KMC Forums - Doctor Ray

(please log in to view the image)

Ray Davies, the lead singer and co-founder of legendary 1960s rock band The Kinks, is one of 15 people who have been honoured by Middlesex University. The university presented an honorary doctorate to the singer and songwriter who formed the band with younger brother Dave from his parents' front room in Denmark Terrace, Fortis Green and later penned classics such as Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me, Days, Come Dancing, Celluloid Heros, Return To Waterloo and Lola.

The frontman attended St James' Church of England Primary School, formerly in Fortis Green, and William Grimshaw School (now Fortismere School) in Creighton Avenue, Muswell Hill. He still has a record label and recording studio, Konk Studios, in Tottenham Lane, Crouch End, and also studied at Middlesex University's predecessor, Hornsey College of Art.

Possibly the college's best-known alumnus, he later immortalised the experience in his song Art School Babe ("Such an art school cad, I was really on a mission. I made my play for my art school babe").

Davies, who has been cited as a major influence on Britpop bands such as Blur, Oasis, The Clash, Sex Pistols and Big Country described his time at the college as quite an interesting experience'.

My heart is still at Middlesex' said Kinks genius and 'local lad' Ray Davies as he received an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University on 8 July. Davies � speaking to graduates of the School of Arts, including musicians and lyricists, shared the excitement he still feels for great creativity in music:'I like Nirvana, Blur and even Oasis when they're not punching each other!' he revealed. Ray Davies attended the Hornsey College of Arts, which became part of Middlesex Polytechnic, now the University, in 1973.

All 15 recipients were honoured for their services to their own profession, to their community or directly to the university.