Ray of light

Tammy Layman / News Virginian
Published: May 23, 2007

Ray's new CD, titled, "I Miss You," has been recently released. The album features special guest singer Jimmy Fortune.

"I am just a country boy, from middle class," he added. "We lived on Third Street in the city. I was the only teenager in concert choir. My mama sewed several patchwork blankets by hand and sold them to raise the money for the white tuxedo I needed."

Allan Ray was born Matthew Ray Fisher on April 28, 1958, the son of Grover Cleveland Fisher Jr. (Buddy) and Ruby Lee Fisher. He has a twin sister, Martha Mae Fisher, an older sister, Connie Faye, and older brother, Donald Edward. His dad was a brick mason by trade and he worked in construction business, but Ray grew up with a strong musical influence.

"Our mother played guitar and wrote many of the songs she sang," he said. "Every weekend there were adults at the house playing guitars, banjos or mandolins."

Ray got started in music at an early age.

"I went to school at Shenandoah Heights Elementary," said Ray. "I sang my first solo at a PTO meeting - 'Bells of Saint Mary.' " He was five years old.

"Mama taught me how to play guitar with one song, 'I'm just a Lonely Boy,' and it only had two chords," he said. "I Miss You" is dedicated to Ray's mother; the song "Allan Ray" is dedicated to his son, Mathew Ray Fisher II.

Ray and his family sang as a gospel group, known as "The Fisher Family."

"We sang every Sunday afternoon, and at numerous church revival services all over the valley," Ray said.

Later on, Ray was in the Engineer Corps of the U.S. Army and was in the service from 1977-86. He served in Germany and Europe from 1980-83.

"I was in the Seventh Corps Division singing in Europe with 6,000 people," Ray said. "I competed with other soldiers and won my first bronze medal in the military after singing 'How Great Thou Art.' "

Ray and his sisters formed a gospel group, "The Sweet Victory Gospel Trio," and sang in local churches and for fundraisers and the Special Olympics.

The stage name "Allan Ray" is in memory of Ray's deceased father-in-law. All of the songs on "I Miss You" are those Ray has written and sung over the years. Ray is now busy getting local radio stations to play his songs.

"I think my first gospel song was played this weekend on 99.7," he said. "I think WKDW is playing the gospel and country music."

The CD consists of both country and gospel music with a special appearance by Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers.

"I really appreciate Jimmy Fortune taking the time out of his busy schedule to sing with me on this CD. It has been an honor," said Ray. "Jimmy said the reason he wanted to record the one song with me was that Jesus had answered his every prayer. Last Thursday I went back to Nashville and I had sold between 200 and 300 CDs since I was there the week before."

Ray's goal is to go all the way with his music.

"I want it played in 26 countries, and I'm working on getting labels in Nashville," he said. "I recorded this at Robby Meadows Studios Live in Harrisonburg and I'm starting to put together a band and start touring. Next Monday I'm recording a song in memory of the lost loved ones at Virginia Tech. A portion of the proceeds will go to the families of Virginia Tech. I feel led to do this. I am always looking to perform locally and for radio stations to pick up my music.

"There are probably a lot more talented singers, but God's blessed me and before I am through I want to give back," Ray added.

Ray doesn't just want to give back with his music - he also wants to design a recreational facility across from Waynesboro High School for the young people in the community.

"My idea is to develop a series of basketball courts across from the high school and a place where kids can have plenty to do," Ray said. "A place with arcade games and a kitchen to fix hamburgers and hot dogs or snacks where they can go would be great. I remember growing up not having very much to do at that age. I love kids, I have six children, two sons and four daughters with three still in the nest here in Waynesboro.

"I would like to do this for the community and would like to hear from anyone else who is interested in putting something like this together for the young people here," added Ray.

Ray's new album, "I Miss You," is available on his Web site at http://www.allanraymusic.com and at local stores, including Crossroads, Spears Music City, Joe's Place and at Frye's Market.

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