He is also a straight shooter and will tell you like it is. I think that is one of the reason Elvis liked Ray so much. Elvis was first introduced to the gospel group, The Jordainaires, when he was playing a show with Eddy Arnold in Memphis in 1955.
After they sang "Peace In The Valley", a very young and unknown Elvis came backstage to meet them. Elvis had just signed a deal with Sun Records at the time. His admiration for the group was so great because of listening to them for years on the Grand Ole Opry that he said, "If I ever get a recording contract with a major company, I want you guys to back me up."
True to his word, in 1956 when Elvis began recording with RCA he asked Chet Atkins to use the Jordainaires. He was the first artist to insist listing the backup singers on the labels of his records. This gave the Jordainaires a lot of notoriety.
They went on to record with Elvis for 15 years on his long string of hit records. They also appeared in some of Elvis's movies, and on many of his television appearances.
Ray Walker later joined the group in 1958. When Ray first met Elvis he put his hand out and said, "I'm Elvis Presley." Ray said, "I know who you are. I'm Ray Walker". To which Elvis replied, "And I know who you are."
In 1966, Elvis went into the world famous Studio B in Nashville to record his second gospel album with the Jodainaires. During the sessions, Elvis rejected many of the songs the producer had picked out for him to sing and began singing some of his favorites and those of his musicians for the record.
Seeking more material after recording a couple songs, Ray spoke up and said, "Elvis, there's a song that you need to record that if you do it will be your most popular gospel songs with your fans." Elvis said, "What is it?" Ray replied, "How Great Thou Art". Elvis wasn't familiar with the gospel tune. Ray said, "I have a song book in my car." So he came back with song book in tow and proceeded to teach Elvis the song. Elvis loved it.
As they proceeded to record it, everyone could feel the passion with which Elvis sang. This old spiritual moved the entire group. And after Elvis sang the final powerful note, he turned and looked at Jerry Schilling his bodyguard with joyous satisfaction knowing it was truly a great recording.
That song went on to be the title track of the record and one of Elvis' favorite gospel songs which he often performed in concert. It's one of my favorites too. I even sang it at my own mother and father's funerals. Interestingly, the only Grammy awards Elvis received were for his gospel recordings.
In 1970 at one of the last recordings they did with Elvis, when he saw Ray come into the studio he literally ran to him and gave him a big embrace that lifted Ray off the ground. He truly loved Ray as a brother.
The Jordanaires went on to perform with other artists including Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and George Jones. In 1998 they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Ray even was the song leader at the Madison Church of Christ for many years, a church that I am a member. I only wish I could have been there to see Ray and hear his incredible bass voice.
After Elvis' death, Ray made the statement about his dear friend, "Look at the way he affected people's lives. You don't do that with just talent - you do that being the person you are."
Elvis' success came because he knew the real meaning behind the words "How Great Thou Art."
Watch my favorite performance of this with JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet in Vegas.
Your Nashville Elvis,
Chuck Baril
http://www.nashvilleelvis.com/
http://www.nashvillebookingagency.com/
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