 Jeff Carson Ray's band, "The Cherokee Cowboys," was a training ground for legendary artists and musicians. Some of the artists who went on to become successful in country music reads like a list of who's who in country music. Names such as Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Johnny Paycheck, Darrell McCall, Johnny Bush, steel guitar masters Buddy Emmons and Jimmy Day and guitarist Pete Wade. All were regular members of this great band, which still continues to carry on the tradition with Ray Price as their maestro. From 1952 through the present time, Ray has compiled one of the most distinguished lists of hit records of any artist who have ever recorded in all of country music. Ray Price is credited, and rightfully so, with producing the most emotional honky-tonk music ever made. The lushly arranged country-pop ballads have now become standards in country music. Ray continues to play to sold out audiences all over the world, bringing his fans the Ray Price sound they have come to love from numerous strings to the haunting sound of the Ray Price shuffle beat. He is still one of the most active touring artists in all of country music taking his music to the White House, major casinos, symphonies, performing arts centers, fairs, large clubs and arenas. In 1996 Ray Price received the highest honor in country music when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His long-time friend, Kris Kristofferson, who termed Ray, "A living link between Hank Williams and the country singers of today", presented him his award. Ray continues to record and with the release of his newest album in 2000, "Prisoner of Love," he continues to receive critical acclaim by the major music trade papers, the live audiences and most of all, Ray's peers. With this new album, Ray sounds like he is eighteen again. He has made this group of songs platinum by putting the Ray Price touch and signature on each individual song. Once again, Ray bears his heart and soul in his music.
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