Stephen Anthony Ray, baritone, is generating much noise and notice in the world of music as an up and coming classical vocalist from Arkansas. Having performed extensively for wedding events, churches, schools, young artist programs, symphonies and opera companies, Stephen is laying the foundation for what promises to be an exciting career as an opera singer.
A native of Sherwood, Arkansas, Stephen was born to Robert and Sharon Ray in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1984. He is the youngest of four brothers, two of whom reside in Little Rock, Arkansas; the other resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Stephen grew up as a part of two huge families. His mother has nine brothers and sisters. His father…fourteen! On his mother’s side of the family, the musical talent and tradition runs deeply through years of family get-togethers, barbecues, and church. His uncle Dwight holds a music degree from Arkansas Tech University. His brother, Robert, a 2006 graduate of the University of Arkansas, is a avid bass guitarist in the Memphis area. In fact, his uncle Harold is a also very well-known guitarist throughout the Memphis area, as well as a lead guitarist for the house band at B.B. King’s Blues Club. His aunt Denise is a very accomplished gospel pianist. His favorite aunt, Sonya Moore, currently resides in Nashville and is a gifted soprano (and was the co-producer of Stephen’s first CD, as well as a background vocalist). And, of course, Stephen’s parents are both talented singers and members of the church choir (Stephen’s grandmother is the church pianist, and his cousin Miguel is the drummer). Stephen’s home church is Harris Temple Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, where his uncle Mitchell L. Moore, Sr. is the Pastor (and organist).
Stephen’s parents recognized his musical aptitude at an early age and encouraged him to develop his talent by participating in different performing opportunities, from talent shows to solos in church. Stephen began learning how to play the tuba at age 13. In his junior year of high school, Stephen released his first CD, “My First One Shall Be Called Untitled”, a compilation of gospel and r&b music.
At the age of 17, after having attended the Reality Student Ministry for two years, Stephen felt called by God to be a youth pastor. He was licensed at Harris Temple Baptist Church as an associate minister and established a ministry in Sherwood mentoring and discipling teenagers.
Stephen graduated Sylvan Hills High School in 2002 and entered school at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas as a tuba performance major. However, after five major changes and at least as many spiritual deserts, Stephen finally settled on a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree (May 2008) and minor in Christian Studies. He currently serves as the interim youth pastor at Park Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia until August 2008, when he will begin graduate studies in music.
Stephen enjoys playing ping-pong, making late night taco bell runs, frying chicken, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with his students.
