Biography
Ray Herndon, an Arizona native who works as a country singer, songwriter, and guitarist, grew up surrounded by music in a highly accomplished household. His father Brick handled acoustic bass, drums, and guitar, while both of his older brothers pursued careers as musicians. He displayed talent at a young age by appearing with his siblings on the Lew King Rangers, a Phoenix television program that featured him singing, dancing, and performing on guitar and accordion. At just four years old he recorded the novelty single “Christmas Eve” during a Hollywood session. Paying local engagements began arriving by the time he turned eleven. Throughout high school he marched with the school band yet still performed regular evening and weekend sets in the region. He later spent time studying at a jazz college in Mesa, Arizona, and maintained steady performances at his family’s restaurant.
In 1982 Herndon became a member of the locally popular group J. David Sloan & the Rogues. While the band toured Luxembourg the following year, he encountered Lyle Lovett, who lacked a backing unit at that moment. The Rogues stepped in to support Lovett, and several members, Herndon among them, have continued the association ever since, with Herndon touring intermittently alongside Lovett beginning in 1985. A call from MCA Records president Tony Brown led to his joining McBride & the Ride, where he performed with singer Terry McBride and drummer Billy Thomas. During the trio’s five-year run Herndon turned his attention seriously to songwriting, resulting in material recorded by Kenny Chesney, Aaron Tippin, Lee Greenwood, Linda Davis, Sonya Isaacs, and McBride & the Ride. He and Thomas exited the group in 1994 yet rejoined for a 2002 reunion album. Herndon issued his first solo effort, the independent release Livin’ the Dream, in 2004; the project included guest appearances by Lovett, Clint Black, and Jessi Colter.
In 1982 Herndon became a member of the locally popular group J. David Sloan & the Rogues. While the band toured Luxembourg the following year, he encountered Lyle Lovett, who lacked a backing unit at that moment. The Rogues stepped in to support Lovett, and several members, Herndon among them, have continued the association ever since, with Herndon touring intermittently alongside Lovett beginning in 1985. A call from MCA Records president Tony Brown led to his joining McBride & the Ride, where he performed with singer Terry McBride and drummer Billy Thomas. During the trio’s five-year run Herndon turned his attention seriously to songwriting, resulting in material recorded by Kenny Chesney, Aaron Tippin, Lee Greenwood, Linda Davis, Sonya Isaacs, and McBride & the Ride. He and Thomas exited the group in 1994 yet rejoined for a 2002 reunion album. Herndon issued his first solo effort, the independent release Livin’ the Dream, in 2004; the project included guest appearances by Lovett, Clint Black, and Jessi Colter.
Albums