Began his career as recreation director at a Catskills resort after
dropping out of New York University. He went on to lead the traveling
version of the radio show "Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour," which
scoured America for talent.
During World War II, Raymond led a small troupe that performed at the
front lines, sometimes under fire. He took over the role of Finnegan,
the bartender on the radio show "Duffy's Tavern," in 1950.