Ray Ellington, born Henry Pitts Brown on 17 March 1916 in Kennington, London, was a prominent English singer, drummer, and bandleader. He was the youngest of four children to Harry Pitts Brown, an African American music-hall comedian, and Eva Stenkell Rosenthal, a Russian Jew. Raised as an Orthodox Jew, Ellington attended the South London Jewish School and began his show business career at the age of twelve on the London stage.

Ellington's musical journey gained momentum in 1937 when he joined Harry Roy and His Orchestra as a drummer, showcasing his vocal talents with recordings like "Swing for Sale." During World War II, he served as a physical training instructor in the Royal Air Force and played in service bands such as the RAF Blue Eagles.

Post-war, Ellington formed the Ray Ellington Quartet in 1947, which became known for its jazz and blues influences and was among the first UK bands to feature an amplified guitar. The quartet included notable musicians like Lauderic Caton, Dick Katz, and Coleridge Goode. Ellington's style was heavily influenced by Louis Jordan's comedic jump blues.

Ellington gained widespread recognition through his work on The Goon Show from 1951 to 1960, where his quartet had a regular segment, and he often played comedic roles. His recording of "The Madison" reached No. 36 on the UK Singles Chart in 1962.

Ellington was married to Anita West from 1956 to 1962, and they had two children, including Lance Ellington, who followed in his father's musical footsteps. Ray Ellington passed away from cancer on 27 February 1985, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in British jazz and entertainment.