A relatively short time ago, I was born in Winston-Salem, NC.  When I was 8 or 9 years old, I started playing the classical guitar under the instruction of the music minister at my church, Dr. Ken Wilson.  Ken tutored me in not only guitar, but in music theory, composition, and computer recording software, and he taught me how to teach.  When I was 12, I signed up for orchestra class in middle school, with aspirations of playing the violin, like one of my friends.  However, since everyone else in the class decided to play the violin, my teacher, Becky Green suggested I play the bass. A year later, my parents gave me an electric bass for Christmas and I started my first band.  I progressed on both instruments quickly, and in the 11th grade I was persuaded to go to the NC School of the Arts, where I was instructed by Lynn Peters, and privately by John Spuller.  

After graduation, I went on to play with several bands, making a name for myself playing clubs and festivals across the southeast.  I have had the great privilege of playing with some great bands and musicians, including The Allman Brothers, Oteil Burbridge, The Roots, George Clinton, Common, Guru, the Gap Band, and Wu-Tang Clan, among many others.  I joined up with Embers guitar player David Dixon in 2000, and we have played in bands together ever since.  

I currently live in Winston-Salem, NC with my two sons and two dogs.  

www.johndanielray.com