I've had many important influences in my life, starting with my parents, but when it comes to country music, I was most influenced by Garth Brooks. He gave me some some good advice when I was just beginning my career, more than a decade ago, and I will always be grateful that he took the time to talk with me.
Sounds Like
The comment I hear most often is that I sound like Vince Gill. Yep! Vince Gill.
I will be taking part in the very first Annual Wagon Wheel Country Music Festival in Lake Elsinore, CA on Sept. 19th - 20th, 2009. The artist line-up includes Dierks Bentley, Mark Wills, Miranda Lambert, Megan Linville, James Otto and others. You can learn more about the festival on the Wagon Wheel Festival myspace. Just click on the banner below:
This video touches on the impact of slavery on African American's and shows how blacks in general have progressed. The Senior Staff Journalist at CountryStarsOnline.com says, "Carl Ray is not only a very talented singer and songwriter, he is a wonderful human being. This video, accompanied by the beautiful lyrics, offers up an unbiased, intelligent look at a sad part of our history that illustrates there is hope for our future."
Just so you all don't think I'm conceited, I want to be sure you know that the following paragraphs are from my press kit.
"Carl Ray is a singer/song writer who is bound to make an explosive impact on the country music scene with his incredible talent, handsome good looks, dynamic personality and hypnotic singing voice. Born and raised on a ranch in Texas; he truly is a singing cowboy. No drugstore, wannabe cowboy here. Carl Ray is the real deal." quote from CountryCharts.com - 2002
Carl plays guitar and has been writing, producing and performing his own material for many years. His songs have been recorded on Epic, PolyGram, and MCA Records for artists Johnny Nash, Bill Summers and Summers Heat.
Although Carl has experienced the most success in the pop genre of music, his passion has always been country music so he was delighted when a chance meeting with David Ball and Wood Newton led to recording a duet with Ball. That cut, "Text Book Case (of what not to do)," which Ball wrote, is included on his new album that was just released (Sep 07).
His lilting voice and clean cut image will surely steal the hearts of people all over the world, both young and old alike.
LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK!
I need some honest feedback so please listen to the songs on this page from my new album and tell me what you think. You can send me your comments via my myspace message center on this page or, I'm fearless, so go ahead and post your comments in the comments section so everyone can read them.
If you are wondering about the inspiration for the title cut, Play that Country Music Black Boy, Ray says, "As a teenager, 'Play that Funky Music White Boy' was one of my favorite songs and, if you are old enough to remember that song, you will also remember that the whole world couldn't resist singing and dancing along. I'm hoping my song has that same effect. Sooooo, get on your feet, clap those hands and be sure to sing along! By the way, all the lyrics in this song are based on actual incidents from my own concert experiences. As a matter of fact, when I think about it now; this song chose me, I didn't choose it. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed living it and writing it."
The full album contains twelve songs and the cost is $10 (plus $2.50 S&H) or you can purchase only the tracks you like using Nimbit.
If you would like to have your copy autographed, you can EMail Carl Ray directly. Be sure to put "CD order" in the subject line.
Well, I asked for feedback and the folks at CountryStarsOnline.com stepped up to the plate in a big way. Thanks to one of their senior album reviewers, George Peden, I haven't been able to stop smiling since I read his review. Thanks George and CSO, for the kind words and the encouragement to keep following my dream.
BTW, while you are there, you can submit your own RPR (real people review).
I just returned from Zurich, Switzerland. This was the third year that I was invited to perform at the Achuetzenhaus Albisgutli Country Music Festival and every year it just gets better. I had a really great time and I want to thank everbody, especially Albi and the great fans, who made me and my band feel so welcome. The Swiss LOVE country music and they always make me glad I came. I look forward to next year!
I will be taking part in the very first Annual Wagon Wheel Country Music Festival in Lake Elsinore, CA on Sept. 19th - 20th, 2009. The artist line-up includes Dierks Bentley, Mark Wills, Miranda Lambert, Megan Linville, James Otto and others.
I am really enjoying that Black History video-"Was A Black Man" Almighty God has blessed you to have the ability to really paint a picture with your words in song. I pray that almighty God will continue blessing you and taking you higher and higher.
Yo, Carl Ray... Let me start by saying thank YOU! We LOVE all our sup p ort. I just want to personally say thankyou and I appreciate any love that you have given/thought about givin/ or will give in the future. you know its ques cuz i like to do caplocks randomly lol!
Great music! Thanks for your friendship, and welcome aboard the Redline ship. Looking forward to sharing the journey ahead with you. Take Care, and thanks again. Peace,
Thanks for your friendship! Currently, we're playing locally here in the greater Houston area BUT if you or someone you know would like to book the band or our acoustic duo show we'll travel just about anywhere!! Drop me a line at mike@parrish-hundley.com!!!! Wishing you all the very best!!! - Mike
Thank you SOOO much for the add! We appreciate your support very much! We really hope that you enjoy our music! The demos are kinda rough but we'll begin recording our debut cd on the 18th so hopefully it won't be too long and we'll have much better versions up! We hope you're having the most fantastic weekend ever! God bless!
<br />Carl,Thank you for the add I really think your music is Great I go to your space to listen to all
<br />your music also you can go to Red Dawn on flying fox records My Daughter and her Husband Victor has good music thas if you have the time take care and have a great week.
