Ray J

Ray J in 2015, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: William Ray Norwood, Jr.

Place of Birth: McComb, Mississippi, U.S.

Date of Birth: January 17, 1981

Ethnicity: African-American

Ray J is an American singer, songwriter, television personality, actor, and entrepreneur. He is the son of Sonja (Bates) and Willie Norwood (William Ray Norwood), a gospel singer. Ray J is a brother of singer/actress Brandy Norwood.

Ray J is married to Princess Love, with whom he has two children.

Ray J’s paternal grandfather was W. T. Norwood (the son of Ray Norwood and Kitty Triplett). W. T. was born in Mississippi. Ray J’s great-grandfather Ray likely was the son of Martha Norwood. Kitty was the daughter of Dock Triplett and Mary F. Haynes.

Ray J’s paternal grandmother was Cecile/Cecil Friday (the daughter of Reuben Friday and Mattie Crosby). Cecile was born in Mississippi. Reuben was the son of Jack Friday and Maggie. Mattie was the daughter of Henry Crosby and Lizzie Metts.

Ray J’s maternal grandfather is Fred “Freddie” Bates (the son of Eugene W. Bates and Genora/Geornia Day). Fred was born in Mississippi. Through this line, Ray J is a first cousin, once removed, of blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter Bo Diddley. Eugene and Genora were Bo’s paternal grandparents.

Ray J’s maternal grandmother is named Mary Thompson. Two of Ray J’s great-great-grandparents were named Elijah Thompson and Delsey/Dolsy Marsalis.

He is said to be a cousin of rapper Snoop Dogg and professional wrestler Sasha Banks.

Sources: Ray J’s paternal grandmother, Cecile/Cecil Friday, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Ray J’s paternal grandmother, Cecile/Cecil (Friday) Norwood – https://www.newspapers.com