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Ray Price

Noble Ray Price, born January 12, 1926, in Perryville, Texas, was a towering figure in the realm of country music, known for his smooth baritone voice and the unique ability to transition from the honky-tonk sounds of the early 1950s to the lush arrangements of the Nashville sound that he later came to epitomize. His career took off with his first hit single, "Talk To Your Heart" in 1952, which established him as a voice of heartache and longing that resonated with a generation of country music fans.

Ray Price's influence was profound, evolving over the years as he changed the landscape of country music with his innovations. Known for his signature 4/4 shuffle rhythm that came to be known as the "Ray Price beat," he transformed the genre with his 1956 breakthrough, "Crazy Arms," which dominated the charts for 20 weeks. Over the years, Price's artistry never waned, as reflected in his consistently successful releases, such as the heart-rending "For The Good Times," a lush Kris Kristofferson ballad, and "Make The World Go Away," both of which showcased Price's ability to bring sophistication to country music. His 2007 collaboration album “Last Of The Breed,” with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, connected him with a new generation of fans and signified the enduring nature of his legacy. Before his death on December 16, 2013, Ray Price's final studio album, "Beauty Is...The Final Sessions," was a fitting capstone on a legendary career, once again proving his timeless appeal and the emotive power of his voice. Ray Price's catalogue lives on with collections like "The Essential Ray Price," ensuring that the memories of his velvet-laced vocals and innovative contributions to music indeed last.

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