Vickie Raye began singing at the age of 6 and professionally at the age of 9. She performs throughout the South Florida area as much as possible and is looking to take her career to the next level. She is a proud member of the CMA, NSAI and TAXI. She has a commanding stage presence and a powerful voice but at the same time can be very soft. She describes herself as Tanya Tucker meets Faith Hill. She says "I know that I don't have the traditional country look but I think that's a plus. People haveneve seemed to care what I look like. Once I start singin' everyone gets into it. I love singing because it gives an outlet sometimes for feelings that we keep up inside; whether you're the singer or the audience. Music helped bring me through some of the hardest moments in my life".
BIO
Singer Vickie Raye, was born Vickie Nelson in Fajardo, Puerto Rico where she was adopted at birth by Marvin and Isabel. Raye began performing before ever attending kindergarten. She sang in her living room for her family and friends imitating artists like Cher, Crystal Gayle, Barbara Streisand, and Willie Nelson. Her first formal performance was at the Dade County Youth Fair at the age of 8 and then performing in numerous musicals and showcase performances. Later she attended New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida (the “Fame” school of South Florida). Though she was a dance major, she attracted the attention of the musical theater department and was selected to perform a lead role in one of their productions.
At the age of 20, after giving birth to her son, she joined and performed locally with the rock band Emerald Steel. They performed at many local venues and were well reviewed in Rag Magazine. During that experience she discovered a new world outside of the theatrical arena and loved it! She left the band and began focusing on her son and solo career. In 1999 she had the honor of performing the National Anthem for her favorite hockey team, the Florida Panthers.
Recently, Vickie Raye, has been in and out of the recording studio working on demo projects and performing locally whenever possible. Now, with the love and support of her husband David, and children Mikayla, Richard, Lauren and Andrew, (and rather large family of aunts, uncles and cousins) she is in hot pursuit of her dream. She has recently been added to WKIS Radio’s (Kiss Country - www.wkis.com) featured local artists section. And finally, after many years of performing, Vickie Raye is honored to be a member of the CMA, NSAI and TAXI.
Though Vickie’s love for music crosses over many genres, she admits that her love for country music is where she finds comfort. Some of her influences are Trisha Yearwood, Terri Clark, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt, Emmylou Harris, and even Barbara Streisand. When asked “what’s your style?” her only response is “I don’t fit into any ‘molds’. I’m just me. I’m very to the point. I like my cowboy hat, my baseball cap and jeans; but I also love my high heels and short skirts. People always seemed surprised when they look at me. I know they're thinking 'you sing country?' Then they hear me sing. There is so much they don't know about me. Noone is 'one dimensional'.” Raye firmly believes that anything worth having never comes easy and if it’s meant to be then it will.
A talented singer with a powerful and soulful voice, Vickie Raye is looking to break the stereotypes of country music and looks forward to someday hearing herself on the radio and performing at the Grand Ole Opry. “Music mends broken hearts, bridges gaps, and has the ability to fill a void in your life - even if for a moment. I know from experience. When I sing, I hope that I can take my audience to another place and, maybe for a little while, away from whatever is on their mind. It doesn’t matter what a person looks like, what color they are. Music is music. There are no prerequisites to listen to it. why should there be to play it? I mean, as longs as it's good. That’s what is important. I’m different, and unexpected - I like it that way - and my fans do too!”
Fact SHeet
Name: Vickie Raye, Country Artist
Born: Puerto Rico
Contact Info: (954) 559-9775
(954) 322-3606
Resides: 11800 South Island Rd
Cooper City, Florida 33026
Album: A Different Shade of Southern - Released 2005
(Songlist/Lyrics Attached)
Recorded at: Grey House Studio, Nashville &
Natural Sound Studios, Miami
Producer(s): Vickie Raye
Billy Herzig
David DeBasio
Affiliations: CMA, NSAI, TAXI
First Job: Make-up artist/customer service representative at Glamour Shots photography studio.
First Paid Gig: Age 9 for the Dade County Florida a musical theater troupe.
Most Memorable Career Moment:
Performing at the Gusman Center of Performing Arts, Miami Florida - no microphone; and her voice still filled the joint!
Influences: Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Terri Clark, Tanya Tucker, Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt, Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks... ,
Most Memorable Life Moment:
It’s a draw; the birth of my children and my wedding day.
Best Compliment: The first time my husband told me that he thought I was beautiful.
Career Goal(s): To secure a record deal and sing at the Grand Ole Opry.
Final Comments: I’m tired of people “in the industry” thinking that I don’t look country. What does that mean? I am who I am. Is there a prerequisite that I am unaware of? I mean, other than being able to sing. I have been performing for a long time and never once did a person come up to me and say that I wasn't country. I love country music and I always have. It speaks to me. It’s passionate and heartfelt. I sing it because I feel it and it tells a story. I know that I don’t fit a particular mold; but “molds” are boring. I say let’s break it!