Ray Bauduc, born on June 18, 1906, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an influential American jazz drummer renowned for his work with the Bob Crosby Orchestra and their band-within-a-band, the Bobcats, between 1935 and 1942. Coming from a musical family, his father Jules Bauduc was a cornetist, his brother Jules Jr. was a banjoist and bandleader, and his sister was a pianist. Bauduc's early career included performing with bandleader Johnny Bayersdorffer in New Orleans and later moving to New York City in 1926 to join Joe Venuti's band, recording with the Original Memphis Five and the Scranton Sirens.

Bauduc gained national fame during his tenure with the Bob Crosby Orchestra, where he co-composed jazz standards such as "South Rampart Street Parade" and "Big Noise from Winnetka" with bassist Bob Haggart. His drumming style was characterized by the use of woodblocks, cowbells, China cymbals, and tom-toms, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries and aiding New Orleans drummers in transitioning into the swing era.

Beyond his performance career, Bauduc contributed to drum equipment design, collaborating with Avedis Zildjian on the Swish Cymbal and with W. F. Ludwig on the Speedking pedal. After serving in the U.S. Army Artillery Band during World War II, he continued to perform with various bands, including those led by Jimmy Dorsey and Jack Teagarden, and formed a successful band with Nappy Lamare.

In his later years, Bauduc lived in semi-retirement in Bellaire, Texas, but remained active in music, performing occasionally and participating in Crosby Orchestra reunions. Ray Bauduc passed away on January 8, 1988, in Houston, Texas, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering jazz drummer whose influence extended well beyond the bandstand.