Carl Ray's Bio

Carl Ray has just the country music flair we’ve all come to love and appreciate in the tradition of great country music. This singer, song writer, likened to Vince Gill for his tenor appeal, has made a great impact on the country music scene with his incredible talent, handsome smile, dynamic personality, and hypnotic voice.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, he highlighted the major stage as a young person while opening the stage 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 Reggae International 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 CD’s on his own: “I Love Country Music” and “Play That Country Music Black Boy”.  

Since then he has shared billing on the main stage of the Tulsa State Fair with Wade Hayes, Hank Thompson, and Junior Brown and also performed with the Tulsa Philharmonic. He has recorded with Nash, Brook Benton, and joined forces with honky-tonk crooner David Ball to write record a “Text Book Case On What Not To Do”.

It didn’t take long for Ray’s talent to be noticed and appreciated. A regular at Nashville’s Fan Fair, now the CMA Festival, he was noticed while singing at Douglas Corner by Albi Matter of Show and Music Productions from Zurich, Switzerland. Matter invited him to come and appear at their country festival, touted as the biggest Country Music Festival in the world, the thirty-nine day event also boasts about having the best entertainers in country music. Among others, Ray has shared the same bill with Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, Jason Aldean, Wade Hayes, Mark Wills, Neal McCoy, The Del McCourry Band among others.

He has been interviewed by the Associated Press, Billboard Magazine, US News and World Report, Legacy Magazine, Green Card Magazine (Paris, France), Richmond Times, Denver Post and countless other print media as well as major cyber zines.

Ray has just finished his first Blue Grass Gospel record and in his words “it was a labor of love”.  The CD, 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, Darryl Singletary, and Ray Price among others.

Carl Ray's pilgrimage to Bluegrass Gospel has been a long time coming and he is excited to have several Bluegrass pickers join him such as: Darrin Vincent on bass brother of Rhonda Vincent, Seth Taylor on Acoustic and Mandolin, BJ Cherryholmes on Fiddle, Josh Swift on Dobro, Jesse Baker on banjo and Aaron McCune singing bass. Rhonda Vincent , The Queen of Bluegrass” joins Ray on a duet performing “The Old Rugged Cross”. Ray believes this is his best musical work because this Gospel Bluegrass allows him to share his faith and testimony with the world.  He believes if ever the world needed hope and to hear about the saving Grace of our Lord and Savior it is now.

Released in 2020 / the most racially divided time in the USA Ray released “I Stand With This Country” a prayer for the soul of of our nation to love and respect each other.

Carl Ray’s latest single, “I Can See Clearly Now” serves as a breath of fresh air and hope while remaining true to the classic masterpiece originally sung by his mentor, Johnny Nash. During their friendship, Nash and Ray agreed that they would one day record a record together. Turning back the hands of time to fulfill this promise, Ray found the inspiration to pay homage to his musical hero after Nash’s passing in 2020 while witnessing the hardships the world has faced over the last year. Ray’s upbeat version of this classic is a true sensation that delicately weaves new life into the storyline. The tune is laced with his tenor appeal which has been often compared to Nash. Ray’s rendition of “I Can See Clearly Now” single will surely become a household favorite once again, having us all singing, dancing, and looking past obstacles to dream a brand new dream for our world.

“I Can See Clearly Now” is available to download and stream on all digital services and was exclusively premiered by Nashville.com!

"I Can See Clearly Now" achieved success in the United States and the United Kingdom when it was released in 1972, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box charts. It also reached number one in Canada and South Africa.

Guided by Johnny Nash, Carl Ray has been performing and writing music for years and his passion shines throughout every song he creates. Ray puts even more heart into “I Can See Clearly Now” as a way to thank the person who helped him get his start in music. Ray has a unique experience of not only being a country music entertainer but a co-host on “Atlanta Live” with his wife, Gail Williams. He has released multiple singles including “I Stand With This Country” which was released in 2020 and went to #1 in Cash Box 2021.

 

Coming Home Bluegrass Gospel At It's Best Featuring The Queen Of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent

"Coming Home" Bluegrass Gospel At It's Best Featuring The Queen Of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent