Ray Stephenson may be the next key singer/songwriter of our time. He has already crafted songs for Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, John Anderson, Guy Clark (GRAMMY nominated album of the year), Jeff Bates, Steve Holy, The Wilkinsons, Sonya Issacs and more. He is also an established painter. He resides in Nashville, TN. and tours over 120+ shows a year (mostly across the southeast). Ray’s songs are surprisingly soulful and thoughtful for a writer his age. There is a strong thread of honesty woven into his lyric and his songs are generally filled with stories about life, love, and loss.
His newest solo album entitled “Gravity” is receiving critical praise from the Nashville press and the recording community. Gravity is a very autobiographical album. “It combines beautifully crafted lyric and narrative with stellar melody and feel,” says Gavin Richards of the Music City Scene. The album features the songs such as: "Farmboy," and "Honkytonk Road" written with another accomplished writer, Bob Dipiero. These songs shed light on the artist's early years and the current life of this singer/guitar player from South Georgia. It also features 3 collaborations with CM Hall of Fame songwriter and two time GRAMMY nominee Guy Clark.
Most of the acoustic guitar parts on this album were played on one of the home-made guitars that Ray and Guy built in Guy's workshop. It is a 000-28 Martin style body design with a slotted headstock. "I nearly cut a finger off in the process," Ray claims.
So go ahead!
Send your friends in his direction so that they may also discover this truly southern renaissance man!
"Willies Guitar" by John Anderson/Merle Haggard/Willie Nelson "Magdalene" by Guy Clark "Funnybone" by Guy Clark "Homeless" by Guy Clark "Hemingway's Whysky" by Guy Clark "Mama was a lot like Jesus" by Jeff Bates "Honkytonk Road" by Walt Wilkins "Dear God"byWalt Wilkins "Pictures of Me" by Sonya Issacs "The Leaving Song" by The Wilkinsons "I am the Highway" by The Wilkinsons "She's So" by Steve Holy "Smile" by Steve Holy "Sally" by Jared Ashley "You" by Heartland "Fall Asleep in Your Arms" by The Wilkinsons "If You Aint Got a Redneck" by Jared Ashley Cutting Down the Cross" by Waycross "Sitting at a Redlight" by Susie Luschinger "Praying for Rain" by Dean Miller "Sitting at a Red Light" by Susie Luschinger "Mama was a lot like Jesus" by Southern Grace "Betty Rides Around" by Tommy Gillam and also by The Well Hungarians
Hear what others are saying about Ray Stephenson:
"We're REALLY picky about what goes on the front page. We get about 100 new albums a DAY coming in here now, (about 100,000 total), and yours is one of the best I've ever heard."
-Derek Sivers, president of CD Baby & Host Baby
"Just with any genre, there can be such a saturation of artists coming out of the woodwork that finding those diamonds in the rough can be more and more of a challenge. Modern Country isn’t immune to this phenomenon where music is not only more accessible but more disposable and short-lived. Ray Stephenson, on the other hand, dismisses this trend by being one of the most head-turning, quality up-and-coming, songwriters to grace the Nashville scene today. With some 120 shows a year and a faithful touring schedule, Stephenson demonstrates his commitment to his craft, that dedication which is clearly sensed in the character of his songs. Having already written songs for Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, John Anderson, Guy Clark, Jeff Bates and more, Ray is no newcomer to the creation of that 'special something' it takes to make a song cut through an over-saturated market. It’s no surprise that he starts off his album with one of these songs, “Forget My Name,” a heart-breaking ballad which draws from the pain of love lost. Some may wonder why he chose to open his album with such a mood but it is the raw and stripped down emotion of this song, which sets the stage for the rest of the album, demonstrating a sincere and forthright outpouring of human emotion and musical inspiration unaffected by the fads of the current market. This kind of personal investment is detectable throughout his album, whether it be found in a ballad or an upbeat rocker. This caliber of musicianship and artistry isn’t found everyday; keep your eye on this guy."
-CD Baby
I have admired Ray's work for several years as a music composer, performer, painter and sculptor. His dedications to art of all kinds that preserve his southern American, small town roots is undeniable, as a creator, performer and teacher.
In a community of so many people who have made art their careers such as Nashville, Ray's unique perspectives and expressions of those perspectives shine as a cut above and constant reminder of what commitment and passion can yield with the talented ears, eyes and hands of a true artist.
-Walt Aldridge, producer/songwriter
The excellence prevalent in every one of his artistic endeavors in itself warrants great merit. i believe his heart to be authentic and his aspiration and diligence unsurpassed. If the lineage of our nation's traditional arts heritage recognizes Mr. Stephenson as one of its most promising and talented sons, then we are all enriched.
-Skip Ewing, songwriter
I'm a big admirer of Ray's work, and have been for a lot of years. I proudly display one of Ray's paintings in my office. Ray is also a very talented songwriter, performer and sculptor. He is very dedicated and there is no mistaking his small town southern roots in all his work.
In an area such as Nashville where so many people are so talented and creative, Ray stands head and shoulders above most.
-Gary Baker, Grammy Award winning songwriter/producer
Hello Ray Stephenson Band, your band is so refreshing to listen to with all the song's on radio sounding the same. This is the BEST newer bands out there. PLEASE keep it up guys!!!! Tommy
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