RAY RAY -- an artist for today!

With a dynamic presence, Ray Ray utilizes an expressive multi-octave range with a style that fuses old into new. Celebrated artists of the past such as Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Jackie Wilson and Mel Torme' were early influences on Ray Ray's musical journey. Contemporary and current talents the likes of Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire, Usher, Jobim, to name a few, continue to shape the direction he takes in his music. This wide and varied spectrum – this wonderful seasoning of sounds –- from jazz, pop, R&B, and world music color his fluid vocal styling’s and exciting performance skills.

When the national touring company of the innovative Broadway musical, HAIR, came to his hometown of Washington, DC, it was an experience he'd never forget. He instantly connected with “Aquarius”, the musical number that opened the show. Several years later, and a month after graduating from college, he made his Broadway and professional debut singing that classic selection in the revival of that very show. Months before, he had been performing with THE FOUR STEPS BEYOND, a singing group comprised of four college friends. The group garnered local DC acclaim, and just before graduation, he starred as “Jesus” in the ground-breaking rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. His destiny was set and he was on his way to pursuing his goal, a career as a professional entertainer.

With music as his core, Ray Ray has been blessed with opportunities in all entertainment mediums. Ray Ray (as Raymond Patterson) appeared in several other Broadway musicals including starring roles in MISS SAIGON, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Other noted stage works have included David Foster’s SCREAM and Berry Gordy’s AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH. Raymond’s feature film’s include the smash hit CHARLIE’S ANGELS (acting opposite Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Bill Murray), UNDERCOVER, and starring in THE FIRST TIME (aka DOIN’ IT). He made his prime time television acting debut on HILL STREET BLUES, and has since appeared on such shows as V.I.P. (opposite Pamela Anderson), THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, and the comedy hit EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND.

Raymond has had the great fortune of working with such distinguished greats as Stevie Wonder, Kenny Loggins, Carl Anderson, Luther Vandross, David Foster and Marc Shaiman. He’s also had several of his original songs recorded by other artists. His CD release TIME & AGAIN led him to his present collaboration with gifted producer/composer extraordinaire, Bruce “Automatic” Vanderveer, whose recent hit is the Top 5 Billboard Magazine Record Sales release of Bettina’s SHE IS. “Automatic” produced the present “RAY RAY” EP featuring the driving JETLAG, written by Ray Ray. The other two selections on the EP -- the Latin party anthem, INSIDE THE RHYTHM, and the pop ballad, MY LIFE, were co-written with "Automatic."

RAY RAY - A legend for tomorrow!