Hello my Friend! I just wanted to thank you for
plugging my song, "A Brand New World." I got a publishing contract! I'll be
talking to you soon about that last offer that you made me and I just want you
to know how much I really appreciate you for your time and interest in my
music. You're a living legend that I can call a friend! What an honor!
Love you my friend, Best Wishes,
David
A
Small Sample of Quotations, About Charlie Ray, From A Variety of People &
Places
I have certainly known Charlie Ray for a good many years.
We first met when he convinced me to come and visit him in Nashville and I was
really amazed at the amount of people he knew and his knowledge of the industry.
He carted me around through at least five states and had me backstage at the
Grand Old Oprey and least three times where I met a lot of the major country
acts in the USA.
We
have stayed in touch over the years and I was fortunate enough to be able to
catch up with him in Nashville for a while last year.
Charlie is a real character and really knows the music
industry. He certainly taught me a lot about it while I travelled with him.
I
am by no means an authority on the music business scene in the USA – you would
have to talk to Charlie about who pulls the strings there. My expertise is in
country music and I have spent at least forty years in the industry here in
Australia. In the USA there are a lot of people who will take your money on the
pretense of making you famous but I do know that Charlie Ray is one of the ‘rock
solid’ promoters. He has been in the business a long time and would not have
survived this long if he wasn’t a good honest worker.
I
am based in Adelaide. I have retired as a performer but I still work hard in the
industry as a politician, trainer, promoter, journalist and broadcaster. You can
check me out by googling my name.
Wally
Sparrow
O’Halloran Hill SA 51558
Australia
"In this day and age it's great to see the are
still legitimate song pluggers out there. Living in
Germany far away from
Nashville I was very hesitant to invest money in a guy I had never
heard of before. I have to
admit I don't regret taking the risk. Charlie Ray promptly responded
to all of the emails I
sent him. He even sent me a Christmas card. Due to his efforts I got
a publishing contract for one of my songs as well as the chance to get a song
on a special tribute album.
Charlie is a kind, patient and professional business partner and very
committed to what he
does."
Robert Baitinger,
Songwriter, Germany
".. . Throughout his exemplary tenure in the
music business, Ambassador Charlie Ray has distinguished himself as a public
spirited citizen of the highest order and an exceptional asset to his
community; he has gold and platinum records for helping to promote the likes
of such music
greats as Anita
Baker, Michael Jackson, Alabama, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and others"
Jimmy Naifeh, Speaker of the
House of Representatives, State of Tennessee
"As a professional musician, I have spent a lot of time waiting to go on
stage, at the Grand Ole Opry. I can't begin to count the number of times I've
seen Ambassador Charlie Ray sitting in
the dressing room of one star or another pitching songs. He's well known. He
has access to important
people and he works his butt off."
Keith Bradford, Studio
Owner, Nashville
"Charlie has helped develop my songwriting skills,
get several songs recorded, be interviewed by my hometown newspaper, and is
the best thing that ever happened to my songwriting. career."
Tishia Adams, Songwriter, VA
"Ambassador Charlie Ray is known by music professionals all across the nation.
He loves people
and is very well connected. He puts over 50,000 miles per year on his pickup
driving from city to city pitching songs. It gives me great pleasure to
present him with our Song Plugger Of
The
Year Award."
Colonel Jason Hawkins,
King Eagle Awards Show, Nashville, 2003
If Charlie Ray tells you it is going to rain, get your umbrella."
Colonel Buster Doss,
Music Industry Pioneer, Winchester, TN, before his death
"... in the name and by
the authority of the people ... as vested .. .by the Constitution and the
laws . .. Reposing special recognition for
his distinguished accomplishments, I hereby appoint and commission Charlie Ray
... who is is hereby authorized and commissioned to serve as an Ambassador of
Good Will ... to the people of nations beyond the borders of the United States
or wherever this Ambassador ... may
hereafter travel or reside."
Bill Clinton,
Former President of these United States
"Ambassador Charlie Ray
says what he means, means what he says, and does more than he
says he will do."
Jeniffer
Foxx, Music Promoter, Nashville
"...Whereas, reposing special
trust in your patriotism, valor, and fidelity, I do by these presents,
constitute and appoint you ...
Aide De Camp, Governor's
Staff."
George Busbee, Former
Governor of the State of Georgia
"Charlie Ray got my song
recorded by a Nashville television host. He arranged for me to co-write with
Randy Albright who's had over a hundred major label cuts. He's always warm
and friendly when I call him. I couldn't ask for a better promoter."
Thelma Burnham,
Songwriter, Indiana
There are several people in Nashville ready and willing to grab one’s hard
earned money, to make a demo recording out of a song , you have written. I
have worked with many people in Nashville. Charlie not only delivers a demo
I’m proud of, but one I eagerly share with family and friends.
I have been working with Charlie for about eight years. Charlie has become a
friend, an adviser, and someone I trust with not only my art but with my
money.
As one songwriter to another I'm sure you already know that there are times
when you loose the energy to find an avenue that will give your songs a chance
to be heard. Once Charlie Ray believes in you he will do his best to keep you
in mind for his next project. Even if it is step by step you can't go wrong
having him on your side! He is well respected and is always looking for your
big break. Good luck to all!
Joann Cervellino, Toms River, NJ
Charlie has done a great job for me on plugging my songs. He has got several
out there for me. Made me some income too. Give Charlie a chance to help you
too.
I could'nt seem to get my foot in the door- Then I met Charlie Ray... He landed
my first publishing deal...
Rockland Moran --Vancouver, B.C., Canada
A great friend at times will tell another
friend things that he or she needs to hear , rather than what they want to
hear. That is such the case of my good friend, "Charlie Ray".. I can
honestly say that Charlie has treated me fairly. I can freely call on
Charlie any time for an opinion or advice on a problem. Well what more can I
say he is there for me! He is truly a great friend in the world of music..
Saginaw, Michigan.
I first heard from Charlie Ray a couple of years ago.He wanted tp plug a song
for me. I was rather excited as the song he wanted to plug I had written 17 yrs.
before so naturally I said yes. Since that time Charlie has plugged two other
songs for me and to his credit all three are published.
I have also called Charlie on several occasions and contacted him by E-Mail
and he has always treated me with kindness and respect. I consider him a friend
and hope to for many years to come.
J.P. Edward
Fayetteville.Pa.
“Getting the right songplugger is the most important factor to songwriting
success. Nobody works harder, or is better connected, than Charlie to get your
song into the right hands (or ears).
I have been very impressed at his promptness, I usually receive a reply to any
e-mailed questions within hours and the answers are always full of music
business insight and crucial advice.”
Gary Rudd, United Kingdom
Charlie was great and did his level best for me, and my
songs.
Malcolm Gibbon from Southport, England.
I remember the help Charlie Ray gave
lots of artists with starting their career.
The help was personal and he let them
perform at the several festivals he organized for them in Nashville, TN. They
were able to meet other artists, record label executives and radio producers
(like me). From lots of conversations with these artists I understood that the
majority were very pleased with these helps and it helped them to find better
ways of continuing their goals. I also remember the assistance he gave by
starting several CMA organizations to help the artists. Lots of radio
producers were also very pleased with the promotional CD’s he sent all over
the world.
Rein Wortelboer
Venray, The Netherlands
http://www.xs4all.nl/~peelgras
I have been in the music business for thirty seven years. I have referred
many songwriters to Charlie Ray over the years and will continure to do so.
Charlie is a great asset to the music industry and has always been a great
help to the independent artists.
Big Spring, TX
"I've have great business relationship with Charlie Ray, since 1996. He
helped me get my music to the right peoples' ears and got the name Noel
Records, for my company. His projects are always done beautifully and
artistically. I can call him and we discuss music projects. He's an agreeable
guy, who makes the music business sweet."
Betty Faett, Choir Director, Pittsburgh, PA
"One of the great things about Amb. Charlie Ray is that
he treats everyone as if they were the most important person he knew. In all
the years I have been in this business I have never met anyone who was as
dedicated to seeing new talent flourish and the industry have positive
growth as Charlie Ray is."
Col. Walt Johnson, C.E.O. Turtle Pond Music,
Florida
"Charlie Ray has been very beneficial to me in promoting my music. In the
past few months one of my songs has been published and another selected to be
included on a 'tribute album' soon to be released. This is all due to Charlie
Ray's direct promotional efforts and encouragement.
I would heartedly recommend other songwriters to utilize Charlie's own unique
and successful promotional skills."
Tom Charchuk, Alberta, Canada
"The Ambassador is my promoter, my friend, my
advisor, and my confidant, Only the Lord Jesus, my wife and children are
dearer to me."
Reverend K. Bennett, Gospel Singer, Chicago,
IL
"Whereas, reposing special trust and confidence in
your patriotism, valor, and fidelity, I do by these presents constitute and
appoint you . . .Aide de Camp, Governor's Staff to rank as such from the date
of this commission and to hold such office under the conditions prescribed by
law . . ."
Ray Blanton, Former Governor, State of Tennessee
" After forty
years as a professional music person, Charlie Ray has more connections than a
double jointed octopus."
Marshall Smith, Guitarist, Branson, MO
"To all who shall see these
presents greeting: Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the
patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Charlie Ray I do hereby appoint
him an . . . Aide de Camp . . . This commission to continue in force during
the term and under the conditions prescribed by the Constitution and Laws of
this State . . ."
George C Wallace, Former Governor,
State of Alabama
"Ambassador Charlie Ray is the man with the
plans. The dude is tattooed but he ain't ever been rude or crude"
Tommy Tucker, Professional Blues Musician,
Chicago, IL
"When Charlie Ray started promoting me and my band doors I
hadn't even seen opened."
Chris Allman, Southern Rock Singer, Birmingham, AL
"Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence
in the Patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Charlie Ray and knowing
you to be a good person and a loyal friend and counselor I have nominated and
do appoint you . . ."
Mike Johanns, Former Governor, State of
Nebraska
"People like to say sh-t
happens. Well Charlie makes sh-t happen!"
Momma T., Singer, Treasure
Island, FL
"Charlie Ray loves music
people and we love him back. He has more awards, more respect, and more
friends in the music industry than anybody else because he deserves them."
Nell Carter, President Arizona CMA
"To Charlie Ray, Greetings: Reposing
full trust in your prudence, integrity, and ability, I do by virtue of the
power and authority vested in me as Sheriff of Davidson County, Tennessee,
hereby commission you
. . . Deputy Sheriff for Davidson
County, Tennessee . . ."
Fate Thomas, 5 term Sheriff of Nashville, Davidson
County, Tennessee
"If you ever have a chance to
work with Ambassador Charlie Ray, don't miss it. We almost missed our chance
and I am so very happy we didn't."
Connie Mac, Lead Singer,
Blueberry Jam Band, Jacksonville, FL
"I've never know a finer man
than Charlie Ray"
Faron Young, Country Star, before his
death
"Reposing
special confidence in the integrity, learning, and zeal of Charlie Ray I do by
these presents confer, The Order of the long leaf pine . . .
Here's to the land of the long leaf pine, the
summer land where the sun doth shine. Where the weak grow strong and the
strong grow great. Here's to down home, the Old North State."
James B. Hunt, Jr. , Former
Governor, State of North Carolina
"I'm proud to call
Ambassador Charlie Ray my friend and song plugger."
Yuri Fukuyama,
Singer/Songwriter Tokyo, Japan
"Charlie Ray got me radio play,
newspaper coverage, and bookings as far away as Poland. He's the real deal."
Peyton Sweat, Singer, Houston, TX
"As a gospel DJ, I am
contacted by many radio promoters, from the United States.
Charlie Ray is very honest and hard
working. The music he represents is only the best quality. When my young
sister-in-law moved to America to work with the Seventh. Day Adventist Church,
I, I told her to contact Charlie. I trust him that much."
Job Gathemia, Disc Jockey, Kenya
"In grateful recognition for his
interest in and friendship to the State of South Carolina and her people, I do
hereby confer upon Charlie Ray The Order of The
Palmetto with all the rights and privileges
appertaining there to and do hereby designate him A Palmetto Gentleman.
Richard W. Riley, Former Governor,
State of South Carolina
"Ambassador Charlie Ray does
more to promote American music than any three promoters. His name is known and
respected by disc jockeys, booking agents, musicians, singers, and songwriters
from Norway to Australia. The only reason he is being named promoter of the
year is we don't have an award called promoter of the decade."
Ralph Hicks, Former President of the
California Country Music Association, 1995
"When we left Sweden to
visit the United States I had a list of must do things. I must marry my
beautiful bride here, I must visit Nashville and Branson, I must have dinner
with Charlie Ray. Charlie invited us into his home. We stayed there a full
week. He offered us a car to drive. He bought me a western suit for our
wedding. He took us backstage to the Grand Ole Opry. This is music
hospitality. This is friendship. This is brotherhood of the road."
Hank Swenson, President of NCMO,
Disc Jockey, & Booking Agent, Sweden
"If anybody has ever deserved induction into
our Hall of Fame, Ambassador Charlie Ray does."
Doc Dantes, Founder Nebraska Country
Music Foundation, Hastings, NE
"In an industry that makes its income
by what people buy to listen to....... It is very difficult to get someone to
listen to a song you have written. Charlie Ray listened and more..... He wrote
words of encouragement without delay..... He made promises that he kept. He
believed in giving me a chance to be heard....Isn't that all any songwriter
really wants....to be heard. In a sea of those who don't listen it is quite
noticeable when someone does.....Need I say more?" - Steve MacInnis,
Songwriter
On June 9, 1993 I had the wonderful opportunity to
have a showcase at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN where only music industry
were allowed.
After performing 3 songs, I got off the stage, and
was approached by Charlie Ray, who introduced himself as a promoter for Foxfire
Records, and Airplay International.
He liked what he heard, and although I had been in
the music industry for years as a singer, and bass player I was only
knowledgeable about performing in clubs and fairs etc. and many contests, but
was completely green about Nashville, and how to proceed to Nashville quality,
and success.
I have met many artists who went to Nashville to
become an instant star, and left there with empty pockets, and empty dreams.
There had to be a special Angel watching over me,
and my career, because Charlie Ray, and the whole Foxfire team took over and I
put myself completely in their hands.
They started me down the road to much success, and
stardom. It was the most rewarding experience of my life.
They cared, and showed it. They led me by the hand
to all the right places and appearances, and at the same time, would advise
against things that would hurt my career.
My Husband Bob who is my manager, really clicked
with Charlie Ray, and the whole AirPlay and Foxfire team, and it was a
relationship that was full of lasting respect and trust.
After winning Entertainer of the Year from Airplay
International, we moved to FL to retire.
But after awhile, I started back performing again
only here in FL. My successful career here is still going strong because of the
road that Charlie Ray and Foxfire paved for me.
Charlie Ray and Jeniffer Foxx have become family.
We love them very much, and the special connection will last forever. I call him
my Big Brother, and Jeniffer is my sister.
We started a business venture in 1993, and now in
2008 we are still proud to be part of their family.
Sincerely In music,
Anne Marie
& Bob Archer
If Charlie Ray says you're a songwriter,
you are one. Charlie is a great song plugger I trust Charlie with all of my
songs. He is a man of his word.
Macie Gist, Songwriter, Brooklyn, NY
When it comes to music, Charlie Ray is an excellent
song plugger. In the short time I've worked with him, his hard work has gotten
me 5 publishing contracts and I have a song on an album. Thanks so much
Charlie
Christine Johnson, Songwriter, Wall, PA
Hey guys!
If you are working with Charlie Ray, you are working
with the best!
Good luck!
Eleanor Irvine, Songwriter, Toronto,
Canada
The winner for the "Number One, International", "Best Song Plugger, Award",
goes to Ambassador Charlie Ray. (applause) A lovely Dark haired lady,
mysteriously accepts the award and speaks to the crowd. "Thank you, thank you
very much" "Ladies & Gentlemen", But C H A R L I E. has left the Building.
Thanks for your creativity, professionalism & friendship. Joy Potillo,
Singer/Songwriter, Arkansas