The oldest of four children born to Ray and Evelyn Haysbert, much his childhood was spent in Baltimore, Maryland.  Ray Haysbert JR. is a grad of both Edmondson high school, where he was a vocal music major, and Morgan State University in Business Administration.  While in the U. S. Army he played with bands in and around White Sands New Mexico.

Musical influences: MJQ, Ramsey Lewis Trio and whoever was playing at the Left Bank Jazz Society of Baltimore Md. in the 70's.