Which are your favorite Ray Stevens quotes?
Ray Stevens is an American country and pop singer-songwriter and comedian.
He is most famously known for his recordings ‘Everything is Beautiful’ and ‘Misty’ which earned him one of the most prestigious achievements in the music industry, the ‘Grammy Awards’. His comedic hits ‘Gitarzan’ and ‘The Streak’ also successfully gained him worldwide recognition.
Stevens’ work ethics and amusing multi-talents as a producer, music arranger, songwriter, TV host, and solo artist have got him inducted into the ‘Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’, the ‘Georgia Music Hall of Fame’, and the ‘Christian Music Hall of Fame’.
The latest addition to his string of accolades was his induction into the ‘Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’.
Here’s a collection of the most incredible Ray Stevens quotes:
40 Incredible Ray Stevens About Life And music
1. “As you know, I played a little trumpet with Elvis. I overdub a few drum licks here and there on a session, but I’m not a drummer by any means.” – Ray Stevens
2. “I’d probably give myself a bit of a sermon.” – Ray Stevens
3. “I figured, these poor songs, they need somebody to take pity on them and make a record. See what the potential might be in some of these songs that are … forgotten.” – Ray Stevens
4. “I played on a lot of hit records. I’m a keyboard guy. I sang on a lot of hits. I sang the high part with Waylon Jennings on some of his hits.” – Ray Stevens
5. “I’m from Atlanta and I lived in Atlanta at the time and worked with Bill Lowery who was a music publisher. A very successful one. He had a small studio in Atlanta along with a record company and all the talent around Atlanta kind of gravitated toward Bill and his operation because that was where we could earn our wings, so to speak. Get our experience.” – Ray Stevens
6. “Bill Justis was a saxophone player, good musician, arranger, and friend of mine who had a big hit called Raunchy.” – Ray Stevens
7. “I produced Dolly Parton‘s first record. It wasn’t a hit but we tried.” – Ray Stevens
8. “I saw Louis Armstrong perform at Albany State College on Radio Springs Road. He was probably the first famous individual I saw in concert. Unfortunately, I never did get to meet him.” – Ray Stevens
9. “I’m a big fan of comedy music.” – Ray Stevens
10th of 40 Ray Stevens Quotes
10. “I don’t know what I’d say to myself. ‘Brace yourself,’ maybe.” – Ray Stevens
11. “I’m a terrible trumpet player.” – Ray Stevens
12. “I just love music in general. I’ve been a fan of all different kinds of music since I can remember.” – Ray Stevens
13. “I immediately loved Nashville when I got here in ’62 because it was where the music was. They had studios and they had really good musicians and I thought “Boy, I belong here.” – Ray Stevens
14. “People liked music but they didn’t consider themselves candidates to be in that business and those of us who did rushed in there with all the enthusiasm that we could muster.” – Ray Stevens
15. “A lot of blood, sweat, and tears goes into that. If you’re committed, you have to pay the price. Although I must say, you happily pay the price. This is the payoff, and it’s great.” – Ray Stevens
16. “Well, actually, it’s not my life story so to speak. It borders on that. It’s just a book that lays down a few memories.” – Ray Stevens
17. “The human brain is a funny thing: it’s very susceptible to tempo and melody. You put the right words to it, and it becomes very influential.” – Ray Stevens
18. “I knew it would work. I was a big fan of recorded comedy growing up.” – Ray Stevens
19. “I chose some of the songs simply because they seemed like songs that nobody would record.” – Ray Stevens
20th of 40 Ray Stevens Quotes
20. “I focus on Nashville because Nashville has sort of been the center of my life since I was 22 years old.” – Ray Stevens
21. “I love what I do. I made my first record in ’57. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of making records and writing songs and singing and being in the music business.” – Ray Stevens
22. “The public liked to listen to music and they loved the records on the radio and the hit parade on TV.” – Ray Stevens
23. “I had no idea that I could sustain a career as an artist. But, I loved music and wanted to be in the music business.” – Ray Stevens
24. “The government is already into our lives a whole lot more than they should be. If I were president, I’d roll everything back. Everything!” – Ray Stevens
25. “I don’t think it’s lost anything. I think some of the early days had great characters in town and they were a lot of fun to be around and be with.” – Ray Stevens
26. “I think comedy is more compatible with country music than any other style of music.” – Ray Stevens
27. “I’m basically a keyboard player, so if it’s got a keyboard on it, I’ll give it a shot. I played a lot of organ in the early days. I can make a few chords on guitar, but that’s about it.” – Ray Stevens
28. “It was fairly easy to get started back in those days. Now, I feel sorry for a lot of the talented young kids because it is really crowded.” – Ray Stevens
29. “When I hear a song, I drink it all in. … To me, it’s important what makes that sound and what makes that song. What nerves it strikes when people hear it.” – Ray Stevens
30th of 40 Ray Stevens Quotes
30. “I did recording sessions as a musician as well as a background vocalist and enjoyed every minute of it. I remember singing harmony with Waylon Jennings on a few songs that were hits. Chet Atkins always put me up so high that I strained to hit every note. It was a lot of fun.” – Ray Stevens
31. “People will remember a good comedy song a lot longer than they would some of the so-called straight love songs.” – Ray Stevens
32. “I’m not just a singer of funny songs; I am basically, first and foremost, a musician. I’m always recording all styles of music.” – Ray Stevens
33. “Back in the old days, there were comedy albums by stand-up comedians: There was Dave Gardner — oh, so many that I can’t name them … Of course, the Coasters. They cut all those songs [by songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller]: “Poison Ivy,” “Yakety Yak” and “Along Came Jones.” So I knew it would work, I just had to get the right material.” – Ray Stevens
34. “I’ve always been kind of a loose cannon. But thank goodness I didn’t blow up any hallowed buildings.” – Ray Stevens
35. “Look at the roots of country music, even the Grand Ole Opry. One of the biggest stars was Minnie Pearl. It’s not hard to figure out.” – Ray Stevens
36. “I originally passed on ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ in 1969, so they gave it to B.J. Thomas.” – Ray Stevens
37. “The Jordanaires were a very busy vocal group. They were very good and they sang pm lots of recording sessions.” – Ray Stevens
38. “I kinda halfway paid attention to politics during my early years, but the older you get, the more you realize it’s very important to pay attention to who gets elected. They can ruin the country.” – Ray Stevens
39. “If you’re saying bookstores and downloading and internet sales are what makes up a two-pronged approach, I guess so. I’m new to this business. I’m in the record business. Books are kind of a new thing for me.” – Ray Stevens
40. “I’ve just been in on the ground floor, so to speak, since the early 60’s in Nashville. I’m proud to say that some of my best friends were Chet Atkins and people like that. It was a lot of fun back in those days.” – Ray Stevens
Summary
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