Ray Walker was born Northern Ireland in 1943. Ray began on violin at age 8 and started playing guitar when his family moved to England in 1958. In 1960 he emigrated to Perth, Western Australia where he became interested in jazz. He had a 10 year gig at the Parmelia Hilton as well as many other gigs around Perth. He has also appeared with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and performed Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez".

In 1984 Ray joined the faculty of the West Australian Conservatorium at Edith Cowan University lecturing in jazz guitar for 20 years until his retirement in December 2004. He continues to teach there on a part time basis. In 2000 Ray was invited to Los Angeles to record a CD with JGSWA Patron John Pisano. The CD available from Ray is titled "Affinity" on the Jardis label. Ray has played with many visiting guitarists to Perth including Joe Pass, Emily Remler, Martin Taylor, Peter Leitch, Gary Potter, Ike Isaacs, John Pisano, Mimi Fox and many others.