On this final encore project on AmeriMonte Records, the Country Music Hall of Fame legend Ray Price proves that country fans and the industry still has a place for the trailblazers that laid the foundations for the genre. With the release of Beauty Is.. the final sessions, Walmart.com sold out in less than 24 hours and the digital download rose to the #3 most downloaded country album on Amazon and inside the Top 30 on iTunes. In addition, in the first week of promotion, 75 country radio stations internationally (including Japan) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio are already on board with the lead single Beauty Lies in the Eyes of the Beholder.
“When we took on this album, we were all hoping that Ray would be around to see this project be released,” says Steve Popovich, Jr President of AmeriMonte Records. “He knew this was going to be his final project and we are so honored we are to be entrusted with his legacy.”
Tonight, nearly two years after his last appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, stars will be singing hits and remembering the legendary Cherokee Cowboy. Lynn Anderson, Larry Gatlin, The Oak Ridge Boys, Chris Janson and newcomer Mary Sarah will be honoring Ray throughout their performances by sharing memories and even some hits from the icon on Opry Country Classics at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Ray’s widow, Janie Price will also be appearing throughout the evening’s lineup. WSM’s Eddie Stubbs, a close friend of Ray, serves as the announcer for Opry Country Classics, including tonight’s broadcast.
Fans and industry aren’t the only ones excited about Beauty Is…the final sessions.The project has been featured in the following outlets: USA Today, Associated Press, ABCNews, Huffington Post, Good Morning America, MSN, Yahoo, Billboard, Washington Post, Washington Times, Miami Herald, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Tennessean, Dallas Morning News, The Austin Chronicle, Country Weekly, Kansas City Star, Digital Journal, The Boot, CMA World, Country Aircheck, Music Row, etc.
“Graceful to the end, Price takes a final bow with an elegant collection that nicely caps a great musical legacy.” – Michael McCall, Associated Press
“Beauty Is… is the sound of a man in full, looking back on the life and love that fulfilled him. It is the most graceful of exits.” – Peter Cooper, Tennessean
“Ray Price’s new album deserves a standing ovation. It garners an A+ rating. It deserves to be recognized at the upcoming Grammy awards with a nomination for ‘Best Country Album.’” – Markos Papadatos, Digital Journal
Celebrities are also praising the project saying:
“That’s the voice that we all loved. He carried himself so well and still had this amazing voice. I was so honored and surprised to be asked to sing with him.” – Award-winning and Timeless vocalist Martina McBride.
“Beauty Is… is amazing in that the passion, discipline and talent is phenomenal and has never wavered one iota as the years have passed. If anything, he has only gotten better.” – Country Music Hall of Fame Legend Brenda Lee.
“Ray Price sang like he was sharing a secret that was just between him and us.” – Rowdy TV and Film Actor Johnny Knoxville.
“A fitting encore for those of us who want more from the Tony Bennett of Country Music. Sensitively produced by Fred Foster, timeless songs sung by the best.” – Grammy award-winning icon Lynn Anderson.
“Ray Price was a real country music pioneer who always stayed true to his style and music. This CD is a great example of that.” – CMA award-winning singer/songwriter John Anderson.
“One of my friends and musical heroes. He is proof that we can get better with age. So wonderful to hear his voice again; such an amazing record.” – Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Bensen.
About Beauty Is…
Available at Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store ®, Hastings, Ernest Tubb Record Shop and online retailers, Beauty Is…the final sessions highlights the timeless, signature string and shuffle sound of Ray Price featuring duets with Vince Gill and Martina McBride. Producer Fred Foster brought in the album’s new songs and suggested the inspirational I Believe. Price selected songs from two fellow Texas treasures and Country Music Hall of Fame members Cindy Walker (Until Then) and Willie Nelson (It Will Always Be). He also wished to sing Stephen Foster’s timelessBeautiful Dreamer. Both men agreed on Among My Souvenirs and I Wish I Was 18 Again. Then Janie Price, wife, chose the 1957 Vic Damone pop hit An Affair to Remember, the theme song from the Cary Grant/Deborah Kerr film.
“Offstage, he was just the guy I love,” says Janie Price. “When that red light went on in the studio, or when he stepped onto the stage and they handed him that microphone, something happened. It was a higher power. This transformation took place in him. He turned into RAY PRICE.”
To stay updated on Ray Price, simply visit www.beautyisrayprice.com.
Beauty Is… – Track Listing
- Beauty Lies in the Eyes of the Beholder (with Vince Gill)
- This Thing of Ours
- I Can See You
- It Will Always Be
- No More Songs to Sing
- An Affair to Remember (with Martina McBride)
- Senses
- Until Then (with Vince Gill)
- Beautiful Dreamer
- I Wish I Was 18 Again
- Among My Souvenirs
- I Believe
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