Ray’s early Honky Tonkin’ music was his best. When he got involved with Chet, who’s guitar playing I love, and got into trying to be a “Crossover” singer, well,,,, I lost interest completely. But it was all about money. Best wishes to him, and prayers for him. Here’s Ray, before Chet, with fiddles and steel guitar;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuOvllD8Baw
Don’t think Ray was ever involved with Chet. Ray was a Columbia guy, Chet was RCA.
I love that Ray went through three or four different incarnations, but always came out on top because very few can sing like him. He has that amazing voice that can do anything, and why shouldn’t he? There’s very little he’s done that I don’t love.
Not sure I agree that his early stuff was his best, simply because his voice hadn’t developed yet. If he had stayed there, he would have been one of many, but he would never have become RAY.
And Chet did a lot of good, so let’s not trash him - but I don’t think he was ever involved with Ray.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hft0JfGPszE
Ray Price - City Lights