Biography

JamesRAys musical influences are as multifarious as the inspirations of his eccentric and variant life story. This very diversity is at the pinnacle of his dynamic and passionate performances in which his music has been simply described as, the best of an Acoustic Groove with all the influences of the American South.

JamesRAys career began in the hillbilly dance halls and honky tonks of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee with his 'hard living' father; JamesRAy was surrounded by the croonings of Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty and many other great country artist of the time. Kentucky Bluegrass and Bob Wills Western Swing had it's affair with JamesRAy as well in the impressionable years.

Finally, JamesRAy got a super dose of musical persuasion when he accepted an offer to join the Bob Dylan world tour throughout the mid 1990's. By the late 90's JamesRAy returned to Nashville to write and record with gold and platinum award winning songwriters Kerry and Lynn Gillispie-Chater. Then the love of a Kiwi girl would take JamesRAy to the shores of New Zealand.

Performing all over Europe, the USA, Canada and New Zealand has given this international performing artist plenty to sing and write about. Judging from his upbringing you have to come to the conclusion that JamesRAys musical tastes lean towards country rock but his original material and covering of r&b, blues and rock give him a diverse range of songs. So, its really no wonder that JamesRAy's music has been described as, "the best of an Acoustic Groove with all the influences of the American South."

Since moving to New Zealand in 2000, JamesRAy has found a unique niche for himself as a much demanded solo artist, performing to sold out concerts with the likes of The Amazing Rhythm Aces as well as co-billing with various Kiwi icons. His album was a 2004 Tui grand finalist for Best Country Album and Best Country Song with the title track being included on Sony Records NZs Best Country Songs along with Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn and several other kiwi greats. He holds the prestigious ACMA 2002 award for Best Original Song, Best Male Vocalist and the supreme award of Best Overall Performer. JamesRAy is also a 2002 NZCMA Entertainer of the Year songwriter winner. With band, solo or duo his live performances exude a passion like no other.

His fresh approach to acoustic country rock and his brilliant song-writing ability lead me to think that it wont be long before he is a household name in this country. -
- D. Edwards of Rock it Promotions.