Daily Inspiration: Meet Audrey Ray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Ray

Hi Audrey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Audrey Ray is a rising country music singer-songwriter hailing from Michigan, with a journey that has taken her from her hometown to Nashville and beyond. Music has always been a constant in her life, from her early days singing in church choirs to organizing her own performances at local coffee shops as a middle schooler. By the time she was old enough to hit the local bar scene, Audrey was already rocking full-band shows, carving out her own path in the music industry. Over the years, she has continuously pushed forward, building a reputation and working with some of country music’s finest. One of her biggest career milestones came in May 2024 when she recorded two original songs, “’68 Mustang” and “Sparks,” with Country Music Icon Producer Kent Wells, who is best known for his work with Dolly Parton. This experience marked a major turning point for Audrey, helping her refine her unique sound and elevate her career. Alongside the release of these songs, Audrey also unveiled two accompanying music videos, collaborating with Revo Media in Grand Rapids, MI. Before teaming up with Kent Wells, Audrey worked with the legendary Patalan Brothers—Tim and Andy Patalan, known for their work with the iconic Detroit rock band SPONGE. In 2021, Audrey released “Temporary Fix,” a track she co-wrote with Tim Patalan, who also produced it. Audrey has shared the stage with numerous national touring country acts, and her career continues to gain momentum. Below are just a few of the many milestones that mark her ongoing journey in the country music world:

-Audrey Ray- Opening act for BlackHawk Country Icons at Grewal Hall at 224 – Lansing, MI (2024)
-Audrey Ray featured in a Nashville Singer-Songwriter Night at Bad Axe, Nashville, TN (2024)
-Audrey Ray-Opening act for David Nail at Grewal Hall at 224 – Lansing, MI (2024)
-Audrey Ray-Opening act for Uncle Kracker (Back-to-Back Hometown SOLD OUT Shows) District 142 – Wyandotte, MI & The Machine Shop, Flint, MI (2024)
-Audrey Ray- Opening act for Joe Nichols at District 142 – Wyandotte, MI (2023)
-Audrey Ray- Opening act for Sammy Kershaw at District 142- Wyandotte, MI (2023)
-Audrey Ray-Opening act for Allie Colleen (Garth Brooks’ Daughter) The Machine Shop- Flint, MI (2023)
-Audrey Ray- Opening act for Country Music Legend- Travis Tritt – Genesee County Fair (2021)
-Audrey Ray- Opening act for The Very Country Christmas – St. Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI with Scotty McCreery, Abby Anderson, Dylan Schneider and Carly Pearce (2018)
-Audrey Ray -Opening act for Frankie Ballard at St. Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI (2017)
-Audrey Ray- Opening Faster Horses Festival w/LOCASH – Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, MI (2016)
-Audrey Ray- Opening act for Kelsea Ballerini at AquaPalooza on Lake St. Clair July (2015)

To connect with Audrey Ray, please visit her social pages.
Official Website: www.audreyraymusic.com
Official Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AudreyRay
Official Instagram: www.instagram.com/audrey_ray
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC33ZK2P4CUxijnvCxmFQl1g
Contact Audrey Ray: [email protected]
Photo By: Revo Media

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. There has been a lot of setbacks, but honestly, those setbacks helped me to fuel the fire a little bit more to keep on going. When you’re in the music business, there are a lot of struggles. From changing band members, to trying to get booked for the big shows, getting no responses back at times from email booking requests, and the list goes on and on. You always have to be on top of your game! But I truly believe failures lead to huge success!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been performing and singing country music my entire life. I cannot imagine my life without it. I have been very blessed throughout my career, and have opened up for many national touring country artists. One of my favorite moments was opening up for Kelsea Ballerini, right before her big break. It was honestly a dream come true. Another one of my favorite moments was recording my two original songs in the summer of 2024 in Nashville with Kent Wells, (Dolly Parton’s producer!) That was a HUGE moment in my career, that I’ll never forget. I’m super proud of that, and I’m looking forward to going back and recording more songs in 2025. I believe my honesty sets me apart from others. I have truly stayed true to my craft for many years, and staying true to who I am as an artist.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents have been HUGE supporters and advocates for my career since day one. When they heard I wanted to record in Nashville, they were 100% in support of my dreams. My mom even made the trip with me, which made it extra special. I couldn’t do it without their support. My full band is also truly incredible, and I have them to thank for all their hard-work and dedication they put into rehearsals, writing, playing shows, and getting together to make our live shows the best they can be!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.audreyraymusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audrey_ray/#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudreyRay/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC33ZK2P4CUxijnvCxmFQl1g