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I was born in Jacksonville, Texas and grew up about 5 miles out of town, in a small community called Tecula. I remember listening for the trains and watching them go by. My mother and father owned a small country store across from the tracks, so years ago, the trains would stop and the engineer and others would come over and get snacks while waiting for the other train to go by. I guess I should have gone to work for the railroad, but I didn't. Trains always fascinated me, but music is my true love. I now live in Henderson, Texas, about 30 miles from Jacksonville. I have a loving and patient wife, Leesa, who I have been married to for ten years; two children, Ben and Lori, by my second ex-wife and two controlling dogs. I've been involved with music longer than I care to remember. Although it's been a good life, it gets frustrating from time to time. Of course, the good times always outweigh the bad. I've been fortunate to have some good bands together, but bands come and go. I've met a lot of good pickers and made many friends, some who have turned into lifetime friends. But, one thing is for certain, you can always count on yourself to get the job done, when everyone else fades away to something different. That is why I am talking to all of you right now. Never let go of your dreams, no matter how long it takes. You will find them if you hang in there long enough, dedicate yourself and most of all, work hard to be the best that you can be. It's taken me most of my life to get to this point. But, the way I figure it, it's a big turning point. This album is authentic East Texas Music from the back roads and river bottoms to the deer camps and tail gates of what I hold dear in my life. I know that there are others like me out there somewhere. I started with bands, years ago, and could never keep them together. About the time the music got pretty good, some picker would want to go. It didn't take me long to realize that I could do it myself. So, after two heart attacks, back problems and two divorces, I set out on my own. I started booking clubs with a big PA system, music tracks and my old guitar. After a while, I had over 1,000 songs on tracks, so I retired the guitar, bought a wireless microphone and stayed after it. I worked my way up to six nights a week and stayed pretty busy for several years. I figured I could perform for less than the bands and do a wider variety of songs than they ever could. Well, it worked to my advantage for a long time and then, along came karaoke. Well, karaoke ran under me and the rest is history. I had to be satisfied with performing two or three nights a week and get a real JOB for a short while. So, what the heck, either walk away from my music or join 'em. So, I decided to join 'em. Yes, I did the big no-no for a true musician. I started doing karaoke, although I had been doing it solo for ten years, before the top blew off. Today, I make a living spinning CD's at the local clubs in East Texas and still have a large time. Best of all, I don't have to put up with the 8 to 5 grind of a real JOB. One Saturday night, I approached a man that had been coming into a club that I play at two nights a week. I asked him if he would like to make an investment into a nobody who has written some songs with no guarantee or anything in return. He said yes and I said "whoa", wait a minute. Let me bring you a demo of these songs that I would like to record, before you make a decision. After a short period of listening, he was still saying yes and here we are. With excellent musicians and a great studio in the Rose City, Tyler, Texas, we recorded, mixed and mastered what you are about to hear. It is a mix of country, rock, blues, ballads and sole searchers. These songs are all original and were recorded by a wizard, in my opinion, Robin Hood Brians, who believed in me enough to go to the limit with me, without losing it. I am kind of hard to deal with at times. I hope that you will enjoy all of these songs. Thanks for your time and interest and CRANK IT UP! Benny D. Ray Check out the artist's website: http://www.BennyRayMusic.com Track List: 1. Mainline Whiskey 2. Give Back My Laugh 3. Big John Bissey 4. I've Been In Love All My Life 5. East Texas Ladies 6. 5am In Texas 7. Falling In And Out Of Love 8. Hildigard Cafe 9. Cold Cold Fire 10. Rockin' Country Roller 11. Just Lwalk On 12. San Jancinto's Son Other Genres:
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