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Ray Dalton facts for kids

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For the New Zealand rugby union player, see Ray Dalton (rugby union).
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Ray Dalton
Ray Dalton 02 (cropped).jpg
Dalton in 2010
Background information
Birth name Raymond Adrien Dalton
Born (1990-05-10) May 10, 1990 (age 35)
San Bernardino, California, U.S.
Origin Seattle, Washington
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active 2009–present
Associated acts

Raymond Adrien Dalton (born May 10, 1990) is an American singer from Seattle, Washington. He started his music journey singing gospel and R&B songs.

Ray Dalton became very well-known for his part in the 2011 song "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. This song became super popular in 2012 and 2013. It even reached number one on music charts in many countries, including the famous Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. The song sold so many copies that it was certified platinum in April 2013. Ray Dalton has also won two MTV Video Music Awards.

Ray Dalton's Early Life and Career

Ray Dalton's mother is Mexican American, and his father is African American. He began singing when he was just 6 years old. His music teacher suggested he join the Seattle Children's Choir. He kept singing all through high school.

Besides music, Ray Dalton is also a talented tennis player. He used to work as a tennis instructor. After "Can't Hold Us" became a huge hit, he decided to focus on music full-time. As of 2013, he also sings in the Total Experience Gospel Choir in Seattle.

How Ray Dalton Started in Music

Music producer Ryan Lewis noticed Ray Dalton's singing. Lewis heard Dalton on a song for another artist. He then reached out to Ray Dalton using Facebook. Soon, Ray Dalton started working with Ryan Lewis and Macklemore in the studio. Their first song together was "Wings" in 2011.

In June 2012, Ray Dalton released his first song as a lead artist, called "So Emotional." Ryan Lewis helped mix this song. Ray Dalton also shared that he was working on his own music project. He planned to call it The Dalton Show.

Ray Dalton, Ryan Lewis, and Macklemore created the main part of "Can't Hold Us" in just one day. Ray Dalton filmed his parts for the song's music video while he was on tour in New Zealand in March 2013.

Ray Dalton's Music: Albums and Songs

Ray Dalton has released his own music and also worked with many other artists.

Studio Albums

Ray Dalton released his studio album called Thee Unknown on September 20, 2024. This album was released by Sony Music and Epic Records Germany. It was available as a CD, for digital download, and for streaming. The album has been certified Gold in Poland.

Popular Singles as Lead Artist

Ray Dalton has released several popular songs as the main singer:

  • "So Emotional" (2012)
  • "If You Fall" (2017)
  • "Bass Down" (2018)
  • "In My Bones" (2020): This song was very successful. It reached high positions on charts in many countries. It was certified Gold in Austria, Platinum in France, and Platinum in Poland.
  • "Good Times Hard Times" (2020)
  • "If You're Tired" (with Connor Duermit) (2020)
  • "Don't Make Me Miss You" (2021)
  • "Melody" (with Vinai) (2021)
  • "Manila" (with Álvaro Soler) (2021): This song was also very popular. It was certified Gold in Germany, Gold in Austria, and Gold in Switzerland. It reached number one on the Polish airplay chart.
  • "The Best Is Yet to Come" (2022)
  • "Call It Love" (with Felix Jaehn) (2022): This song was a big hit, certified 2x Platinum in Poland.
  • "Do It Again" (2023): This song was certified Gold in Austria, Platinum in Hungary, and Platinum in Poland.
  • "All We Got" (2024): This song was certified Gold in Poland.

Songs Where Ray Dalton Was Featured

Ray Dalton has also lent his voice to songs by other artists:

  • "Kingdom Come" (Dyno Jamz featuring Ray Dalton) (2010)
  • "Can't Hold Us" (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton) (2011): This is his most famous feature. It was certified 6x Platinum in the U.S., 13x Platinum in Australia, and 5x Platinum in the UK, among many other awards worldwide.
  • "Whisper" (Camila Recchio featuring Ray Dalton) (2011)
  • "Need Your Love" (Sol featuring Ray Dalton) (2012)
  • "Visceral" (John Mark McMillan featuring Ray Dalton) (2014)
  • "Don't Worry" (Madcon featuring Ray Dalton) (2015): This song was very popular in Europe. It was certified Gold in Belgium, Silver in the UK, 2x Platinum in Denmark, and 4x Platinum in Norway.
  • "Stronger" (Arty featuring Ray Dalton) (2016)

Other Appearances

Ray Dalton also appeared on the song "Believe" in 2018 with Alex Aldea and Camila Recchio for the album The First Mrs. Claus.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ray Dalton para niños

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