| BIOGRAPHY Calvin Ray is one of Kentucky's best Country Music Singers. He is from Mt. Washington, Ky. He is 30 and began singing at age 18. Calvin also has a life threatening illness called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy but he has never let that stand in the way of his dreams. In his 12 year singing career he has performed on National TV 7 times. Throughout his life Calvin has spread awareness about Muscular Dystrophy on a local and national level at telethons and fundraisers. In Aug. 2007 he recieved the Epiphone Lifetime Achievement Award for his Humanitarian Work with MDA and for his musical achievements. Calvin was diagnosed with MD at the age of 8. He had to start using a wheelchair when he was 12. At the age of 12 he also served as the MDA Goodwill Ambassador of Kentucky. His singing career began when he was 18. Calvin loves to help MDA and other charities with his music. In 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003 and 2001 he sang on the Jerry Lewis National MDA Telethon in Las Vegas. His 2001 appearance on the National Telethon included a DUET with KERMIT THE FROG! Calvin has also organized and hosted 2 MDA Fundraiser Concerts in 2007 & 2008 at the Nashville Palace. The fundraiser concerts included country music stars and a Gibson Guitar Auction. In Oct. 2009 Kosair Charities made a $10,000 dollar donation to MDA in honor of Calvin. From 2004 to 2009 Calvin owned and managed his own country music theater called CALVIN RAY’S in Leitchfield, KY. For 5 years he performed there with his outstanding band the Calvin Ray Band. Calvin opened for many Country Stars at his theater including Joe Diffie, Marty Stuart, Chris Young, Little Jimmy Dickens, Don Williams, Ricky Van Shelton, John Anderson, Pam Tillis, Jack Greene, Mike Snider, The Grascals, 2006 Nashville Star Tour, and Julie Roberts. Before opening his music theater he sang at Jamborees, Music Theatres and in contests throughout Kentucky, Indiana and Nashville. In 2000 Calvin made it to the Kentucky State Finals of the Country Showdown. He has won many contests throughout his career some of which were at the Nashville Palace in Nashville, TN. In 2007 he performed on the ERNEST TUBB MIDNITE JAMBOREE in Nashville 3 times. Calvin's debut cd TAKE THAT CHANCE is a great mix of Country Rock and Traditional Country. From 2007 - 2008 he released 3 singles in America and Europe. The 1st single called "SHOULD'VE BEEN SINGIN ROCK OF AGES" reached #8 on the ECMA TOP 100 CHART in Sept. 2007. In Oct. 2007 he released his 2nd single "CLEARWATER MISSISSIPPI RENDEVOUS". In Feb. 2008 he released his 3rd single"SAY HELLO TO HEAVEN". In 2009 His song "SAY HELLO TO HEAVEN" was included on a compilation CD called Melodical Hearts KY, WV,VA. The CD helped spread awareness about foster care and child adoption. Just recently Calvin was in the Sept. 28th issue of Soap Opera Weekly Magazine along with Brandon Barash star of General Hospital in a picture that highlighted the 2010 Telethon! Other magazines, newspaper articles and books Calvin has appeared in include Quest Magazine, Kentucky Monthly, International Musicians Magazine, The Courier Journal and Country Music People (England's Number 1 Country Music Magazine) in 2008 his CD got a 3 Star CD Review in that magazine. The book he is in is called Kentucky's Everyday Heroes. He hopes to have a Top Ten Song in America someday and go on Tour around the country. Please consider booking Calvin Ray for your next event. YOU CAN BUY CALVIN'S SONGS ON ITUNES or AMAZON.COM! |
CALVIN RAY
