Album Notes

Ray Powell grew up in a house filled with music. His father was a country singer/ musician, his mother used to sing him silly songs when he was a child, and his 3 sisters were Beatles and Monkees fans, and fans of much of the American pop music explosion in the 60’s. “there was always music in our house”, says Ray. His father taught him the 3 basic G, C & D chords on the guitar, and Ray taught himself from there. Ray’s early influences were Charley Pride and Elvis, but the songwriting of people like Bob Dylan, Lennon & McCartney, Mike Nesmith, and Woody Guthrie really lit a fire in his heart. “There’s no high like finishing a new song, and then the fun of playing it”, He says. Ray’s first CD, “Heritage” brings together many years in a single volume. A good mixture of Folk, Americana, Blues and Gospel, blended with Native American, family and Spiritual themes, this CD tells of Ray’s life from a cherished Native American heritage, to a holy, heavenly heritage. “Salute To Lori “ written in honor of Lori Piestewa, and “My Little Girl”, written about his daughter’s premature birth are both tear jerkers, while “Sheriff Joe” & “Arizona Road Construction Blues” will bring a chuckle to your heart. Ray-“I had the honor of performing “Salute to Lori’ at the annually held Piestewa memorial in 2007.” It was tough getting through the song as Lori’s parents and Jessica Lynch were only a few feet away from me. I somehow finished the song. They are wonderful people, and I was so honored.”