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who said you can call me ray ?

Who Said You Can Call Me Ray?

The universal catchphrase “You can call me Ray” found its life in comedy through the whimsical persona of Bill Saluga, an entertainer of the 1970s that made this phrase both famous and unforgettable. From a straightforward introduction to his name, what became funny and delightful was the endless variations of ways you could call him, saving ‘Johnson’ the last name for last. A man of many names, Bill Saluga masterfully performed the character of Raymond J. Johnson Jr., becoming a living caricature, and creating an iconic moment in the landscape of late-night television.

The routine stemmed from the 70s variety show hosted by Redd Foxx and turned into a small empire of sorts, with Budweiser notably tapping into the success of the character for their Lite beer series. This campaign took flight in 1977 – the start of Budweiser’s Bud Light “Natural Light” line – establishing Bill as a memorable spokesman for years to come. Saluga’s wit and persona, as Raymond J. Johnson Jr., were undoubtedly iconic, appearing not only in television but also making a prominent appearance in a Bud Light commercial.

Bill wasn’t just a TV presence; he carried his Ray Jay Jr. character across different platforms, and it remained as fresh and quirky as the first time he first said it. What once started on stage and in sketch form found a way into the hearts and minds of audiences as a part of Budweiser’s beer commercials. These commercials were not just promotional campaigns but a comedic tradition, much like our favorite sitcoms rewatched year after year.

The humor was simple yet effective, a comedic sleight of hand as Ray Jay Jr. introduces his name with many options but with a punchline that you don’t need to call him by his surname at all. The punchline on its own was a charm, but Saluga’s delivery gave depth and life to what could’ve been a trite joke, leaving audiences hooked on the name game for another round.

The character’s success translated beyond beer commercials. From performances on shows such as “Laugh-In” and “The David Steinberg Show,” to a stint on the eponymous show “Redd Foxx,” Saluga’s Ray Jay Jr. infiltrated the 1970s entertainment world with a smile and a cigar in hand. The character was more than just a catchphrase; it was artistry in its purest form, the art of drawing people in and keeping them captivated by his presence and comedic prowess.

But times change, and in May 2023, the world said goodbye to the heartwarming voice behind “You can call me Ray,” when Bill Saluga, the man behind the famous catchphrase, passed away, marking the end of an era. The comic’s rise in the comedic theater scene is an epitome of the vibrant, larger-than-life performances of his time. That infectious laughter from his character Ray Jay J. Johnson Jr. leaves a rich tapestry of memories for fans and a comedic legacy that still makes us smile and chuckle.

So here it stands, the question is not “who said you can call me Ray?” but rather, as we honor the memory of the man behind that smile, and the comedic genius behind that punchline, who can we call to bring that level of joy, laughter, and character play into the modern comedy scene? Let’s remember Bill Saluga and the unique laughter he provided with his character Ray Jay J. Johnson Jr., a character that made light of how to introduce one’s self in the most outlandish yet charming way.

Enjoy revisiting the charm and wit of Bill Saluga’s performances and his legendary catchphrase by diving into the links provided. Whether it’s nostalgic enjoyment, a curiosity of another era in entertainment, or an appreciation for the ever-changing landscape of comedy, Bill Saluga and “You can call me Ray Jay Jr.” will forever hold a special place in the comedic spotlight.