RAY HERNDON:  Much more than a "Fool of the Trade"

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Plenty of folks in Phoenix know Ray as the owner and down-home host of the world-famous Handlebar J BBQ Restaurant & Bar, a favorite  Arizona hot spot for almost 60 years.  Many more music lovers know Ray as a prolific musician, songwriter and frequent collaborator with Lyle Lovett.

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Among Ray’s accomplishments are being a key member of Lyle Lovett and His Large Band with whom he's toured most of the world, and co-writing  the hit song "Me and You" for Kenny Chesney.

 

Ray’s solo project, Livin' The Dream (Compendia Records 2007) was recorded and produced with Ray’s long-time friend and session piano ace/producer Matt Rollings. The album features guest vocals by Lyle Lovett, Jessi Colter, and Clint Black. It received critical acclaim and helped establish Ray as a formidable solo artist in his own right.

 

Ray has also reunited with McBride and The Ride, the band he co-founded, that was hand-picked and signed to MCA Records by renowned record executive Tony Brown. During their three-record, five-year career together, McBride and The Ride scored six top 10 singles, including the number one song "Sacred Ground." Their latest hit song "Marlboros and Avon" has been making waves in the country music scene.

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Ray is also an active member of the philanthropist group "The Scottsdale Charros," which supports education through spring training baseball and other ventures in Scottsdale, Arizona.