Musician: Ray Churchman (1922-2006)

Standing 6’ 6” tall, Ray Churchman must have been quite a sight behind a Leedy drum set. He attended high school in Indianapolis and began his drumming career at the age of 13. After graduating from the Jordan School of Music at Butler, he pursued his career in earnest, earning the nickname “Mr. Drummer.” In addition to playing in his own ensembles such as The Ray Churchman Trio, Quartet, Combo, and The Ray Churchman Orchestra, he backed many celebrities when they came to town, including Pearl Bailey, Gene Krupa, Carol Burnett, and a young Barbra Streisand. His ensembles played at local night spots, private parties, and even for lunch crowds at City Market.

For his contributions to the community, Churchman was named a Sagamore of the Wabash and awarded a Certificate of Merit by Governor Otis Bowen. In 1954, he married local radio show host Carolyn Churchman, who became even better known around town than Ray. In the late 1950s, they lived in a Manhattan hotel while he played in jazz bands, and she did radio and TV voice overs. Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut recognized the couple in 1977 with a “Ray and Caroyln Churchman Day.”