Raymond Gregory
disclaimer: the best way to really know me is to talk to me...so feel free to e-mail me. I promise I'll answer. For now here is a "bio":
With smooth vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and guitar work inspired by the likes of George Benson, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughn-and well versed in Jazz influences, Raymond Gregory writes songs from the heart. "Every song i write started with a conviction..." says Raymond. Whether it be songs about self worth (and where that worth lies) like "My Name", or songs that venture to answer important questions of existence like the title track to his debut release "Why I'm here", or straight forward anthems of love and praise; any listener of any background can find a familiar emotion, or even a piece of themselves within each song.
To understand why there is so much meaning and emotion emphasized in his music, you have to understand the foundation and experiences it was built on. Raymond Gregory was raised in family that was no stranger to music. His mother received her Bachelor Degree in music performance from APU, and for several years his father was a music director at their church. Aside from his parents; his entire family on his mother's side is well established in musical roots, and his Grandfather shared the stage with names like Kenny Rogers and Chet Atkins. Raymond, following suite, was also blessed with musical talent. The more he was exposed to music, the deeper in love with it he fell. Raymond Gregory was solid in his dream to become a musical artist by the age of five. His dream though, was put in grave jeopardy by his 9th birthday.
Raymond was pronounced legally Deaf after a series of high temperature fevers. This seemingly crushed any chance for Raymond's dreams to become reality, but he did not let it stop him from reaching even harder. being raised in a christian home most of his life, Raymond recalled what he had been taught to do in the most troubled times: turn to God in prayer. For about four years Raymond prayed that God would heal his ears so that he might pursue the desire of his heart, but every year this progressive hearing loss made it harder, and pushed hope even farther away. By age thirteen, Raymond had sustained a 80% loss in his right ear, and a 60% loss in his left ear. Still, Raymond believed that he had been given talent and desire to use that talent for a reason.
At age fourteen, Raymond Gregory bought his first guitar. It was a cheap electric guitar from a pawn shop, and all he had to plug it into was a cheap karaoke machine, but Raymond pressed forward - although he could hardly hear the music he was creating. Raymond was diligent to practice anything he could for the next six months, and gradually he started to notice that he was hearing sounds that he had not hear in a very long time-and without help from a hearing aid. Over the next few months, Raymond took several hearing tests, and they all revealed the same thing: Raymond's hearing was now progressively improving. By age 15 Raymond had regained about 85% of his hearing back. "I believe that God healed me" says Raymond. "I believe that God has a purpose for my life that includes music, and I only hope I can be diligent enough to fulfill that purpose." This is perhaps why Raymond's songs are pack full of questions/confirmation of purpose and worth. "Don't ever let yourself be convinced that you are worthless, or that you are not important. I believe that there is a loving God that created us all to be unique, and wants you to live out your life with him, a life with meaning." For more information about knowing God visit www.harvest.org.
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