Ray Walker (singer) facts for kids

Ray Walker was born on March 16, 1934. He is a famous bass singer. He was part of the well-known singing group called the Jordanaires. Ray sang bass for the group from 1958 until they stopped performing in 2013.

While Ray was with the Jordanaires, the group received many honors. They were added to the Country Music Hall of Fame. They also joined the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Other honors include the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2005, Ray received the "Avalon Award." This was a special award from his old university, David Lipscomb University. It recognized his great achievements.

Ray Walker's Music Career

In the early 1960s, Ray Walker and his bandmates helped create a new sound. This sound was called "The Nashville Sound" in country music. The Jordanaires sang backup for famous artists. These included Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves.

Ray Walker also recorded many solo songs. He helped create a cappella music albums. A cappella means singing without instruments. Groups like the Freed-Hardeman University Singers performed these songs. The Harding University Choir also sang them. For many years, Ray led singing for a bible program. It was called "The Amazing Grace." This program was made by the Madison Church of Christ.

Ray has recorded over 600 a cappella worship songs. People in 77 countries have reportedly heard his voice. He started singing in public when he was just 6 years old. He has been recording almost every week since he was 13. In some years, he recorded up to 200 songs a week. These songs helped churches with their worship. By 2006, it is thought that Ray had recorded over 200,000 songs. This number does not even include his professional work with the Jordanaires. It is possible he is the most recorded voice in music history. The Jordanaires also sang backup for Elvis Presley. They worked with him for 15 years, starting in 1956.

Today, Ray Walker is a minister. He serves at the Waverly Church of Christ in Waverly, Tennessee.

His Family and Life Today

In September 1954, Ray Walker married Marilyn DuFresne. They have a big family. They have six children, fifteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

As of 2019, Ray still performs as a solo artist. The Jordanaires group ended in 2013. Ray is the last living member of the group's main lineup. Sometimes, the group performed with country singer Ronnie McDowell. These shows honored Elvis Presley. Ray also continues to lead singing at different Churches of Christ.

As of 2011, Ray Walker sometimes chats on Sirius/XM satellite radio. He talks with George Klein, a longtime disc jockey and friend of Elvis. Ray's most recent interview was in April 2016. He talked about how he joined the Jordanaires. He also shared stories about Elvis in the recording studio. Ray even spoke about Elvis meeting Priscilla for the first time. He also told a story about singer Jerry Reed playing with Elvis.