He was born as Raymond Eberly in Mechanicville, New York, the younger brother of another Big Band singer, Bob Eberly, who sang with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.
He was born in Mechanicville, New York, the son of John A. Eberle, a policeman, signpainter, and tavern-keeper. His elder brother was Big Band singer, Bob Eberly, who sang with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.