Ray J is particularly lucky for being born to a musician's family by the name Willie Norwood. Willie, a relative of Bo Diddley, is a gospel singer who often exposed his children to the art of showbiz, including supporting Ray's older sister Brandy who launched a singing career at the age of mere 2. When William Ray Norwood was born on January 17, 1981, his sister has been cultivated to become a performer. Thus when the family that includes mom Sonja Bates-Norwood, moved from Ray's birth town in McComb, M.S. to Carson, California two years later, it was considered an open opportunity for the children to spread their wings even wider. Ray only started his career at the age of 8, when he auditioned for a number of commercials. Acting soon became his main interest and he got the opportunity to do so when he was cast as comedian Sinbad's son in his TV show. Although the show was eventually canceled in 1996, Ray kept his spirit high by branching to music after inspired by his sister's early success. He recorded several demo tapes that finally landed on the executives' hands of Elektra Records. He was immediately signed in 1995.