Buck Crain, Merle Travis, Chuck Berry, Son House, Tammy Wynette, Clifton Chenier, Keith Richards, John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Hasil Adkins, Chet Atkins, Bob Log III, Chester Burnett, George Jones, Hank Williams, Smiley Lewis, Daddy Treetops, Freddie King, Mad Dog Blues Band, Larry Hooper, Arthur Duncan, Johnny Cash, Alvin Lee, Blind Willie Johnson, Robert Johnson, John Lydon, Elton Britt, Rib Gustafson
Drifting down from the Eastern Front of the Rocky Mountains, Erik Ray carves a wide swath through the Montana music scene. For nearly three decades, “Fingers” has toured throughout the Northwest, bringing his unique brand of music to the denizens of Big Sky Country. Whether playing for a brawling roadhouse crowd or at an uptown wedding reception, this One-Man-Band fits the bill. His swinging style of music runs the gamut of blues, country, folk, rock and jazz. Born and raised near the Hi-Line of north central Montana, Erik’s country roots run deep. Performing throughout Montana and the Northwest region, “Fingers” throws a wide loop. In a time of digitalized electronic gadgetry, Erik’s old fashioned, no nonsense approach to his music is refreshingly original. He truly plays four instruments simultaneously. Crowds watch in wonder as he pounds out the rhythm on a bass drum with his right foot while his left foot syncopates a snappy cadence on the high hat cymbals. His right thumb walks a heavy bass line on the guitar while his fingers strum the melody. Strong vocals and a mean harmonica styling complete the full band sound. Playing dance halls and concert venues usually occupied by four and five piece bands, Erik Ray has built a solid reputation as one of Montana’s finest and most original musicians. His high-energy stage show and warm audience rapport are distinctively invigorating.
AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1980 Winner of KZOQ Radio’s Montana Battle of the Bands, Missoula
1981 Winner of KZOQ Radio’s Montana Battle of the Bands
1981–83 Recorded Albums and toured the US and Canada with “The Talk”
1984 Winner of KZOQ Radio’s State Battle of the Bands with Erik Ray and the Skates
1989 Winner of KMON Radio’s Country Showdown, Great Falls
1989 Winner of Montana State TruValue/GMC Country Showdown Finals
1990 Voted best solo musician by Missoula’s Missoulian newspaper reader’s poll
1990 Winner of KGLT Radio’s Country Showdown, Missoula
1991 Best Songwriter Award by California Country Music Assoc., Los Angeles, CA
1992 Video of Erik Ray song “This Time” appears on regular rotation on CMT and TNN
1994 Selected by Montana Department of Commerce to appear at American Fair in Japan
1995 Wrote and acted in Montana Power Company’s Natural Gas television ad campaign
1995-96 Headlined at University of Montana’s annual Foresters Ball
2000 Featured on Montana PBS video of Montana musicians
2000–05 Selected by Grizzly Athletic Association to play Grizzly football tailgate parties
2004 Featured in nationally publicized book “Montana Folks”
2005 Featured on Montana PBS television show about unique Montana musicians
2006 Selected by Montana Magazine as one of Montana’s top “55 Things We Love About Montana”
2008 Selected to perform at the National Folk Festival
hey how are you Erik "fingers ray"? Guess what.. that dang math you taught is coming into play for my job here! Dang i hate when that happens! But yeah hows the big old town of conrad :) -Airman Justin Bowen
Erik, you are the consummate professional and gentleman. The honor is and shall be entirely mine. I look forward to seeing you in Belt before too long!
hey erik~ pleasure meeting you. cool blog on the good ol' roadhouse experience. we've had some good times in those types of places too! all the best for 2008 and we'll catch you another time. the clumsy lovers
Hey Dad, your Jabberwocky song still gives me nightmares:) I was wondering when we are going up to the cabin, when you go back to school, and if you play anywhere on Jan. 4th? I will be home on Friday. I have two more finals tomorrow. I love you and I'll see you soon!
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