Ray Stevens

Ray Stevens is a renowned American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and producer, known for his distinctive voice and eclectic style, which has been compared to that of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Stevens grew up in a musical family and was influenced by the likes of Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, and Eddy Arnold. He began his music career in the 1950s, performing on WSM (AM) and Grand Ole Opry, alongside other notable artists such as Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, and Ferlin Husky.

● Early Life and Career

Stevens was born Harold Ray Ragsdale on January 24, 1939, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to a family of musicians, including his father, who was a Disc jockey at WROX (AM). He began playing music at a young age, influenced by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Stevens attended Georgia State University and later University of Georgia, where he studied music and began performing in local bands, including The Pine Ridge Boys, alongside other notable musicians such as Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley, and Billy Sherrill. He was discovered by Bill Lowery, a Music publisher and Record producer, who helped him secure a recording contract with National Recording Corporation and later Mercury Records.

● Music Style and Genre

Stevens' music style is a unique blend of Country music, Pop music, and Comedy music, which has been compared to that of Roger Miller, Johnny Carson, and Bob Hope. He is known for his humorous and satirical songs, such as Ahab the Arab and Gitarzan, which have become Novelty song classics, alongside other notable songs like The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton and The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) by The Chipmunks. Stevens has also been influenced by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., and has performed with other notable artists such as The Jordanaires, The Anita Kerr Singers, and The Nashville Sound.

● Discography

Stevens has released numerous albums throughout his career, including 1,837,542 Seconds of Humor, Unreal!!!, and Gitarzan, which have featured hit singles like Mr. Businessman and Everything Is Beautiful. He has also released several Gospel music albums, including Have a Little Talk with Myself and I Have Returned, which have been compared to the works of Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and The Staple Singers. Stevens' music has been featured on various Record labels, including Mercury Records, Monument Records, and MCA Records, and has been produced by notable producers such as Billy Sherrill, Owen Bradley, and Chet Atkins.

● Awards and Recognition

Stevens has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Award nominations and wins, as well as Academy of Country Music Award and Country Music Association Award nominations. He has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, alongside other notable artists such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. Stevens has also been recognized for his contributions to Comedy music and Novelty songs, and has been named one of the most successful Songwriters of all time, alongside other notable songwriters such as Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Bob Dylan.

● Personal Life

Stevens is a private person and keeps his personal life out of the spotlight, but it is known that he has been married to his wife, Misty Stevens, since 1966, and has two children, Tim Stevens and Jenny Stevens. He is a devout Christian and has been involved in various Charity work, including supporting organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and The Salvation Army. Stevens is also an avid Golfer and has participated in several Celebrity golf tournaments, including the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the American Century Championship, alongside other notable celebrities such as Bob Hope, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra.