I was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, which is in the northeast part of the state. I grew up singing in country churches, learning all that old-fashioned southern gospel music that Elvis loved so much. I can remember as a small child, about five or so...they would stand me up on the altar so the congregation could see me, and for the bribe of a dime or a quarter, or a piece of chewing gum, I would sing like a bird. Guess I was the local novelty act. I later went on to sing with various t...
I was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, which is in the northeast part of the state. I grew up singing in country churches, learning all that old-fashioned southern gospel music that Elvis loved so much. I can remember as a small child, about five or so...they would stand me up on the altar so the congregation could see me, and for the bribe of a dime or a quarter, or a piece of chewing gum, I would sing like a bird. Guess I was the local novelty act. I later went on to sing with various trios and quartets, learning about harmonies and so forth.
At the age of about fifteen, I taught myself to play bass guitar, and discovered other kinds of music in the process. Two friends and I formed a rock band. We weren't always sure whether we were Grand Funk Railroad or ZZ Top, but in any case, we were every bit as loud as either one of those groups, which was all it took to make the kids at the local skating rinks happy. I started working at a music store, where the owner also operated a recording studio, as well as played a mean guitar, Chet Atkins style. He taught me that I would have to play other types of music if I wanted to make any money at it. He introduced me to Hank Williams, while I introduced him to the Allman Brothers Band. And eventually, I wound up working the club circuit for a number of years with various 'dance' bands, doing blues, R&B, jazz, swing, torch, country...you name it. (Yes, I've even played disco music, but prefer not to talk about it. lol)
In 1985, I moved to Nashville...ironically, to take a job that had nothing to do with the music business. However, I did work into that after a few years, and managed a 24-track recording studio on Music Row for a while (analog - digital recording was still brand new). I was also fortunate to work with some really good songwriters who taught me about their craft. Then a stroke of really good luck. Jimmy Capps, who was the bandleader of the Opry House staff band, and a great and seasoned session player (not to mention one of the nicest guys in the business), was interested in working with me on some song demos.
These are the demos on this page, featuring Opry band members on all the music tracks. These songs are original, co-written by my sister and myself, produced by Jimmy Capps, recorded at a Nashville studio, the song titled "You're Not Coming Home" being a scratch tape (acoustic guitar and vocal only). All of these songs have some age on them now, but I hope that you enjoy listening to them anyway. I know that at the time they were recorded, I put my whole heart into them.
Thank you for your interest, and for visiting my music page.
--- Ray
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