By Gary Voorhies
(c) 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
Ray Scott comes by his Country roots honestly. Raised in the farming community of Semora, N.C., he was the son of a Country Music singer. He credits his dad, Ray Sr., as his biggest musical influence.
“A lot of people name off artists as influences and I have those too, but the biggest impression on me was my dad,” Scott said. “He was a singer and I heard his interpretations of all those great Country songs growing up. I realize more all the time that listening to his versions and comparing them to the originals I heard on the radio taught me a lot about how to make a song your own.”
As he matured, Scott was drawn to the authority and gritty realism of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. “Those guys defined an era of Country Music,” he said. “They left a permanent impression on me that I wear like a badge of honor.” At 19, Scott formed his first band in Raleigh, N.C., a short-lived project. He went on to college, graduated, then started another band. After moving to Nashville, he earned a publishing deal with Tom Collins Music. The years of dedication to his craft began to pay off when Randy Travis cut his song “Pray for the Fish” and Clay Walker recorded “A Few Questions.”
Scott co-wrote all of the 13 songs on his Warner Bros. debut, My Kind of Music. Produced by Philip Moore and Buddy Cannon, the album was released on Nov. 22.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Which song would you like to cover? “‘I’m On Fire’ written and performed by Bruce Springsteen.”
What CD is on your stereo right now? “John Prine’s Fair & Square.”
Who is your dream duet partner? “Patty Loveless.”
When they look back on your life in 50 years, what do you hope people say about you? “Ray was a pretty good ole boy who wrote some really cool tunes.”
What moment in your life would you relive if you could? “My first night performing on the Grand Ole Opry.”
source: CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association
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