“Today and tomorrow I will pray for civility to be resurrected from the shadows.” says Carl Ray. “I hope that love will no longer be marginalized and silenced. That it will overtake us all. I have unwavering hope that we will claim for ourselves and the lives of others peace and hope for every woman, man, and child. That we all make a commitment to eradicate hatred and we become our brother’s keeper and that we will leave a better world for our children and their children.”
Peace and solace are found in the voice of a man who has never stopped believing in people, music, and the heart of his country. Carl Ray uses his tenor appeal to express a prayer for the nation to fill itself with love, respect, and hope no matter the situation. Mentored by the late, great Johnny Nash, Carl Ray has been given crucial advice from the legendary Garth Brooks and has often been compared to the emotive Vince Gill. With all these attributes combined, Carl Ray lays it all on the table in, “I Stand With This Country.”
“This single is a clarion call to this end. God has the whole world in His hands, but we have a role to play in changing our world and it starts with changing our hearts and minds.”
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Carl Ray shared major stages as a young person opening for The Spinners, BB King, Teddy Pendergrass, and Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. As his musical interest developed and expanded, Ray began writing more of his own songs, and he was soon discovered by international reggae artist, Johnny Nash. It was Ray’s relationship with Nash that led this young prodigy and developed his love for country music. He eventually penned songs for Nash on Epic and London Records titled “You’re the One”, “We’ve Got Trouble”, “Sing World A Love Song” and “Baby You’re Mine”. Ray’s song “Baby I Believe In You” was also recorded by jazz artist Bill Summers and Summers Heat. Ray recorded two albums on his own: I Love Country Music and Play That Country Music Black Boy.
Ray has just finished his first bluegrass/gospel record and in his words “it was a labor of love.” The album, titled ‘Coming Home’, was produced by Ray and Grammy Award winner Greg Cole, who has previously worked with Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Daryle Singletary, and Ray Price among others. Carl Ray’s pilgrimage to bluegrass and gospel has been a long time coming and he is excited to have several notable bluegrass pickers join him such as Darrin Vincent on bass, Seth Taylor on acoustic guitar and mandolin, BJ Cherryholmes on fiddle, Josh Swift on dobro, Jesse Baker on banjo and Aaron McCune singing bass. ‘The Queen of Bluegrass’ Rhonda Vincent joins Ray on a duet performing “The Old Rugged Cross”.
To keep up with everything Carl Ray, visit his website and follow his socials linked below.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
