The late Ray Price is already having a busy 2015 with a new single at Country radio, continued exposure via ESPN commercials, a TV tribute, “Best Of” accolades and more. His version of the Sonny Throckmorton-penned classic, “I Wish I Was 18 Again,” resonates with emotion and Price’s incomparable vocals. Previously a Top 40 for the inimitable George Burns, the song is given new life and insight with Ray’s interpretation. The single lands as ESPN-TV continues airing College Football Playoff ads soundtracked by Price’s “For The Good Times” and Friday, Country’s Family Reunion Tribute To Ray Price will air on RFD-TV.
The Country Music Hall of Famer’s last musical offering, Beauty Is … the final sessions (Amerimonte Records) garnered a unique Honorable Mention on Billboard.com’s The 10 Best Country Albums of 2014 list and grabbed the #1 spot on TheNashvilleBridge.com’s Top 10 Albums list. The disc debuted at #22 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, giving Ray his highest solo appearance on that chart in over three decades. Additionally, his duet with Martina McBride, “An Affair To Remember,” scored as #8 on the Hotdisc International Chart’s Top 30 Most Popular Songs of 2014 list after three consecutive weeks at #1.
“It amazes me,” notes Janie Price of the media attention her late husband continues to command. “Ray passed away a little over a year ago, and folks still love hearing him sing. He’d be so proud.”
Fans continue to clamor for copies of the album, following the trend set the week of its April 2014 release when the disc sold out on walmart.com, and rocketed to #1 on Amazon’s Best Country Albums list. A top-seller at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations nationwide, the CD was the top-selling disc at Ernest Tubb Records Stores in May, and was named CD of the Month by Smart Choice Music (UK). Nationally, Hastings Stores count the title as the #35 top-selling Country album of 2014, and Beauty Is … kicked off the New Year as Amazon’s # 3 Top Rated Country Album.
Janie Price appeared on Huckabee in December and, in November, Texas Music Scene aired a special “Backstage Pass on Ray Price’s Final Album.” Honors and proclamations for Price and this iconic project, produced by Grammy Award-winner Fred Foster, abound. The Grand Ole Opry saluted Ray with performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Chris Janson, Lynn Anderson, Larry Gatlin and Mary Sarah; Tennessee Governor Jimmy Haslam issued a Proclamation for Beauty Is …; Nashville’s Mayor Karl Dean issued a Certificate of Recognition, while the Mayor of Tullahoma, TN declared December 4 Janie Price Day. The Ameripolitan Music Awards in Austin, TX bestowed the Master Award to the singer in February.
Such a classic vocalist deserves all of this attention, so check out his newest album today!
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Published by FestPop Staff Writer
Justin Wheeler
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