Ray Price Performance Sampler April 30, 2008. Special thanks to Skid Media of Nashville for capturing this footage.
From 1952 through the present time, Ray has compiled one of the most distinguished list of hit records with 46 Top 10 singles, 8 reaching number 1.
•Hit songs include:
"Crazy Arms" "For The Good Times " "City Lights" "Night Life" "For The Good Times""Danny Boy" "Make The World Go Away" "Release Me" "I Won't Mention It Again" "Faded Love" "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You"
Price experimented as a singer and an arranger in the 4/4-bass driven "Crazy Arms," the country song of the year for 1956. The intensely rhythmic sound he discovered with "Crazy Arms" would dominate his—and much of country in general—music for the next six years. To this day, people in Nashville refer to a 4/4 country shuffle as the "Ray Price beat."
"Crazy Arms" was one of the first country records to be recorded with a drum kit, which gave it a relentless, pulsating rhythm. Until Price, most country artists were reluctant to use drums and the instrument was even banned from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The blockbuster status of the single helped change that situation. Spending an astonishing 20 weeks at the top of the country charts, "Crazy Arms" not only crossed over into the lower reaches of the pop charts, but it also established Price as a star.
In the mid-'60s his musical inclinations were shifting, bringing him closer to the crooning styles of traditional pop singers. Ray added a string section to his recordings, making him one of the first to explore the smooth, orchestrated sounds of late '60s and early '70s country-pop. While it alienated some hardcore honky tonk fans, the change in approach resulted in another round of Top Ten hits, including a major crossover hit, "For The Good Times."
In 1996 Ray received the highest honor in country music when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His long-time friend, Kris Kristofferson, presented his award and termed Ray, "A living link between Hank Williams and the country singers of today.
For the past 20 years, Ray has continued to criss cross the US performing to sold out audiences. In 2009 he will be 83 years old and still performs 70-80 shows a year. For Ray, It's always been about the music.
How many of today's performers will be touring at 83? There is only one Ray Price.
