Karla Bonoff, James Taylor, David Wilcox, Keith Urban, 33 Miles, Chris Rice, Chris Tomlin, Brandon Heath, Brian McKnight, Phil Vassar, Olivia Newton John, Dolly Parton, The Judds, Sam and Annie Tate, Jason Matthews, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Dianne Warren, Kelly Willis, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Randy Houser, The Carpenters, Celine Dion, Creed, Edwin McCain, John Mayer, The Isaacs, Rhonda Vincent, Alison Kraus.... pretty much anyone that can move me with a song!
I began working in country music shows in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Branson, Missouri when I was six. I wrote my first song when I was 12 while listening to a music box in my Grandma's basement. I was hooked for life, and the music box now sits in my room to remind me how blessed I am to be able to create music. The whole world might not hear it... but I still create it... and I still love to write it! I think the highlight of writing music is when I hear a friend or family member humming one of my songs, or singing some of the lyrics. There's just something really cool about that to me!
When I was 16, I started my first business called "Thoughts Expressed," where I created custom written songs for individuals using their thoughts and feelings. Great idea... not much experience on the web. (If I build a website, everyone in the world will come to it, right??) I think I wrote two songs that first year... but I was big stuff, cause I had a business. :-)
In 1999, I moved to Nashville, TN to further my songwriting career. (If I move to Nashville, I'll be a hit songwriter, right???) I lived there for 8 months, and met so many people that have been very influential to me. While I was there, Chris Neese pushed me through the doors of ASCAP and set me in the right direction. (Thanks, Chris!). I decided that being 19 and alone in Nashville wasn't as cool as I thought it would be, and I was really missing mom's home cookin'. I moved back home. (They'll all remember me in Nashville, and I have their phone numbers...that won't change... right??)
On May 13, 2002, I began performing again full time at a country music show called the Ozark Mountain Hoe Down in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I've been blessed with a job that I absolutely love and look forward to everyday. The show is fantastic and I couldn't ask for better people. I'm working with outstanding musicians, as well as some excellent songwriters. Come see us! Visit us in Eureka Springs!
Currently, I spend my time doing web design and first page Google placement for my clients, creating graphics, performing 6 nights a week at the Hoe-Down, writing songs, creating radio jingles and on hold music with Randall George, and having a blast in the recording studio! I'm blessed to be able to spend my days working at home while my daughter is in school, so I don't ever miss her school programs and such. I treasure my time with her, and am so thankful for everything she teaches me.
In a nutshell, life is good, business is good, friends are good, and my family is the greatest thing ever! I've learned a lot from life, and I've learned that I still love to do everything I've been trying to do... I'm just trying to be a little less naive about doing it!
Check out the video below. I'm amazed at the talent, creativity, and intelligence of whoever it was that created it. Go ahead... watch it to the end. It's not what you think!
Howdy, friends! I played "Ill Have Somebody Else"(-bonus track)on the newly GRAMMY nominated cd, Willie and the Wheel (Willie Nelson and AATW)!!!!!BRAND NEW SONGS UP TODAY! and the band just got on reverbnation..check it out..www.reverbnation.com/therubyjaneshow
My new record just came out this week on I-Tunes and CD Baby. I have included a video talking about the record, hope you enjoy it! Please leave us some feedback to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support.
-Ray Stephenson
PS: This album would make a great stocking stuffer ;)
My new record just came out this week on I-Tunes and CD Baby. I have included a video talking about the record, hope you enjoy it! Please leave us some feedback to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support.
-Ray Stephenson
PS: This album would make a great stocking stuffer ;)
Don't Forget To Submit Music To Our Broadcast, We stream Local Bands 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
If your band is interested in submitting music to be played on our broadcast, here is how to do it!
Go to Arkansas Internet Radio www.arkansasinternetradio.com, if you like what you see and hear and want to be a part of it, click on the band sign up tab and sign up and submit music in Mp3 format to: airarkansas@live.com
There is no catch..It's Free..Well we do take donations if you believe this broadcast could be helpful in promoting Arkansas bands and shows..
Our broadcast has only been up since March 2nd 2009 and we are getting an awesome response from bands and listeners..Check it out, submit and listen!
HI!! I hope you are having a great day!! I hope you will take 5 minutes of your time and watch my new video to "Temptation". Would love to know what you think.
Yatahey! I just found out I made #26 on the country top 30 independent charts at www.independentmusicnetwork.com go give me a vote if you get a chance!
Spread the word I'm back in town -- Montana Chads September 15-19th! Come out and hear my new single released to radio, "Carry On" off my new album, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Leslie, you all are amazing at the Hoe Down, but I have so enjoyed looking at your pictures of you, Kaylie, Rannie, and Randal. You all make such a perfect family!
I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!
P.S. I loved the dancing you and Rannie did at the Hoe Down!
Hello Leslie, When people go to my page, the first thing they tell me is how much they love the song "How Great Thou Art" and what a beautiful job of singing it. I am please to tell them it is you my friend. Thank you for letting me place the song on my page. It blesses many others I pray you are Blessed and that God has your wishes come true.
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