Ray left Juilliard in 1963, after just one year. He made this choice so that he could get organized and dedicate himself to his own band. This was a year after Cruz joined in as the lead vocalist. In 1964, he signed with Fonseca Records and released his debut album, Ricardo Ray Arrives-Comejen. The album included the outstanding hit songs "Mambo Jazz", "Comejen", "Viva Richie Ray", "El Mulato", "Suavito", "Pa' Chismoso Tu" and the bolero-cha "Si Te Contaran".