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Welcome to darrenray.com. Home of Singer/Songwriter from Arkansas with soulful vocal's, heartfelt song's and seasoned musicianship...you'll want to check this out.
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Darren Ray's new CD " 3" is a great new compilation of songs and
styles sure to catch attention "You will want to listen to it over and
over." STB Guitar Man and 3 were recorded and produced by Mike Bailey. http://www.dreammakersproductions.net/ Performing music has been the
center of Darren Ray’s life for as long as he can remember. “My Grandma
said when I was really little I’d stand behind the living room curtains,
then jump out and start singing -- right when the vocals came in -- to
the music on the stereo,” recalls Darren, a life long, full time
musician who performs over 300 shows a year. “I still remember my folks
listening to Ray Charles, The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival and
a variety of different country artists.” Born in Texas and raised in
Northwest Arkansas, Darren joined the choir when he started elementary
school and remained a member throughout his school years. Performing
madrigals in junior high led to the High School Acappella Choir, which
competed in the National Championships and won for two consecutive years
under the direction of Don Wright. Darren competed in every talent show
he could enter. When he was in the ninth grade, his dad took him to a
pawn shop where they traded his dirt bike for a bass guitar and amp and
Darren’s been playing the bass ever since. He played bass in the school
orchestra for a year but grew bored with trying to read
music...preferring to listen to songs and play them by ear. Instead, he
played his bass and sang in a variety of rock bands through-out his
teens. After graduation and playing in several different bands, Darren
landed a gig playing bass with The Great Southern Railroad -- a southern
rock band which had a development deal with Geffen Records and a
publishing deal with Almo-Irving Music. Based in Arkansas, The Great
Southern Railroad toured all over the south for six years. The band
showcased for every major record label, they ultimately split-up in
Augusta, Georgia in the early 90's before ever signing a recording
contract. Darren moved back home to Arkansas where he and a few of the
original members of The Great Southern Railroad joined-up with musicians
Jeff Cease (Black Crowes) and Doug Huffman (Boston) to form a new band.
Taking the name Arkansas, the band performed at concerts with Lynyrd
Skynyrd, Bad Company, the Doobie Brothers and numerous others. When
Arkansas called it quits, Darren recorded his first solo CD, Borrowed
Time. “I’ve been playing solo acoustic gigs ever since,” says Darren,
who later released a second solo album, Guitar Man. “I also have a three
piece band called Big Bad Bubba,” he continues. “We’ve been traveling
and performing for over a decade -- we also have a CD: Big Bad Bubba
Unleashed.” He has received multiple awards for male vocalist,
songwriter, and album of the year from the Ozark Music Awards (OMA) and
the Northwest Arkansas Music Awards (NAMA). Darren recently completed a
third solo CD, Darren Ray 3, and has formed a touring band to support
its release. Saturated with soulful vocals, infectious melodies and
genuine lyrics, Darren Ray 3 shines with the seasoned resonance that can
only be obtained by years of performing. Darren's CD's can be purchased
at his shows and also at: Sound Warehouse, Hastings, and online at
cdbaby.com Darren has performed with many great talents: Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Doobie Brothers, Tesla, Marshall Tucker Band, Leon Russell, Ian Moore, Nazareth, Blue Oyster Cult, Paul Rodgers, Molly Hatchet, Night Ranger, Foghat, America, Pat Green, Brian White, Steppenwolf, Pat Travers, Chicago, Eddie Money, Little River Band, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Three Dog Night, many others! Also check out Darren with BIG'UNS! http://thebiguns.blogspot.com/ "As a radio executive for the
past 20 years, I’ve had the good fortune to witness many of the greatest
artists across all genres and formats. As a musician and songwriter,
Darren Ray rates among the best. Immediately upon listening to Darren’s
music, it is so apparent that it resonates directly from his soul.
Whenever we host a function that requires entertainment, it is crucial
that the talent reflects the quality of our company, my first call is
always to Darren.” ----Tony Beringer ----Regional Vice President Clear
Channel Radio |