LISTEN NOW: MICHAEL RAY RELEASES FAMILY-INSPIRED TRACK “PICTURE”

Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray honored his uncle just days after he passed in the best way he knew how: by telling the story of their family. Together with award-winning songwriters Michael Hardy and David Garcia, he penned the track “Picture” (listen HERE) about memories made and memories still to make. Today he releases the song alongside its official music video, directed by David Bradley (watch HERE). Fans will notice in the video a guitar labeled “Amos” – the name of his late grandfather and his 2018 album – the same one with which Ray made his Grand Ole Opry debut more than six years ago. The full circle moment speaks to the message that “Picture” offers.
 
“This past year I was able to go home and reconnect with what made me want to move to Nashville, what made me fall in love with music, the people who made me who I am, the people who believed in me from day one,” the singer / songwriter said. “I think it helped me re-find myself and re-discover the kind of music I want to make. That’s where a song like ‘Picture’ comes from. After my Uncle Terry passed last June, I wanted to write an autobiographical song about my family and the memories we all have to look back on – but its not a sad song. It’s a song of celebration. I hope it reminds people, like it does for me, to capture moments with their loved ones.”
 
With touring on hold, the past year has allowed Ray to reconnect with himself and put pen to paper more than ever before. “Picture” is one of several new tracks due this summer and beyond. His current single “Whiskey And Rain” (listen HERE) – praised for “embracing a natural throwback country sound” (Rolling Stone) – is currently climbing the charts at country radio as it tops 20 million on-demand streams. A special Warehouse Sessions live version of the track is available now (listen HERE).
 
The last 12 months have also seen Ray create his hugely successful livestream series, Honkytonk Tuesday. Showcasing his love for classic country, Honkytonk Tuesday drew in over 700,000 views in 2020 and placed him at No. 32 on the 2020 Pollstar Top 100 Livestreamers year-end list. “Picture” and “Whiskey And Rain” follow two hit albums, three No. 1s and five RIAA Gold-certified singles, including “One That Got Away,” “Think A Little Less” and “Her World Or Mine.” Keep an eye out for more new music, coming soon.

About Michael Ray:
For Michael Ray, music is his grandfather singing and sweating on a rural Florida stage. It’s the childhood refuge he found during the pain of his parents’ divorce. It’s family and stories, history and hope. Ray says music saved him, but it did even more: Music made him. In four short years, Ray has built an impressive foundation. Three No. 1 songs – “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Think a Little Less,” and “One That Got Away” – plus “Get to You” and “Her World or Mine,” brings his tally to five Gold-certified singles. The poignant “Her World or Mine” from his sophomore album Amos also produced a video that has captured more than 23 million YouTube views since its debut less than a year ago. Now, two hit albums into that all-too-rare blend of critically acclaimed and commercially successful career, Ray has released “Whiskey and Rain,” the first single off of his upcoming project produced by GRAMMY-nominated song whisperer Ross Copperman. Proof that heartbroken wallowing can feel good if it swings, “Whiskey And Rain” has garnered over 20 million streams since its release, cementing Ray as the ideal bridge between vintage country cool and modern country’s best sounds. Learn more about Ray at MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic and Facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay.
 
###