R'n'B music is blessed to have artists like Canadian singer Ray Robinson on their team. R'n'B remains the music we rely on to caress our souls, set the mood for love, and make us feel grown'n'sexy. Ray's voice, along with his song writing and production skills will be keeping us movin' and groovin' for many years to come.
Ray Robinson was born into a generation that is defined by music. He grew up humbly in Toronto, and discovered his ear for music at the tender age of five. Of Caribbean heritage, Ray shared the same musical upbringing of most who hail from the islands, with his fondest memories being those of listening to the soul and gospel records his Mom would play. Eventually learning to memorize the lyrics to one of his strongest influences - Micheal Jackson's Music and Me, Ray spent his childhood quietly developing his voice and feeding his growing appetite for music. When he got a little older, Ray relocated to New York where the story of turning dreams into reality began. As part of a group known as "DL" formed when Ray was just in high school, they took to the club circuit including the famous Apollo theatre in Harlem where the world would start to see the talent that permeated Ray and his group members. Discovered by Bob Waxman and Donald "Dee" Bowden (most known for his work with 90's R'n'B group SWV), the doors to a professional career in singing opened up.
In 90's, Ray decided to branch out on his own, and he moved back to his beloved Toronto, Canada where he juggled music and real life to make a living. Ray's independent approach to managing his music and business led him to create and compile the content of what became the "What It Is" album with support only from producer Kevin "Kid Kut" Keith (formerly of the Baby Blue Soundcrew, currently of X-Caliber Entourage). On his journey to self-promote the album, he met the woman who later became his manager, Gail E. Phillip of GNOTE MANAGEMENT. Armed with solid production, impeccable vocal delivery and excellent promotional support from his new management team, Ray Robinson's "What it Is" album went on to receive critical acclaim helping him to garner the 2004 (CUMA) Canadian Urban Music Award for R'n'B Recording Artist of the year. Ray Robinson along with Canadian hip-hop superstar Kardinal Offishall won 3 Much Music Videos Awards in 2006 for the single "Every Day Rude Bwoy". His past nominations include Best R'n'B Video (Much Music Video Awards 2004) for his first single Missed Your Chance, New Artist (CUMA 2004), and Favourite Urban Artist (Canadian Music Week Independent Awards 2005). His album "What It Is", received a Juno Nomination in 2004 for R&B Album of the Year.
Ray boasts a collection of tracks that have wet our palette for his unique blend of soul, gospel and straight up R'n'B with songs like : Good Times, Missed Ur Chance, Be the One, My Heart, Because of You, Girl friend, Be Alone, Summer Star, Gotta Move It, and Waiting for You. But there is much more to this multi-faceted artist whose musical influences also include Donnie Hathaway and Sam Cooke. Ray, who has a strong connection to the church and humanitarian efforts, didn't always want to be an entertainer. Having found his passion in both music and giving back to the community, look out for Ray's involvement in projects with kids in group homes and helping to keep kids off the streets.
The stage is set, and Ray is ready to open up a new musical chapter in his life, having spent a lot of time back in the studio preparing to drop new gems on us. He is poised and ready to inject new life into the R'n'B scene, so don't close your eyes for a minute. In his own words, "Nothing can stop you, but YOU". Looks like Ray's not going to let anything stop him now.
To learn more about Ray Robinson or to place bookings, please visit www.gnotemanagement.com
Written by Nicky Phillips a.k.a. Darling Nicky
