Ray Anthony is a charismatic entertainer in the music industry that touches each of us. A gifted musician (self-taught guitar player, bass player, drummer, pianist, songwriter and singer) captivating millions of Rock n Roll fans taking them back to the good ole days of Rock n Roll.
Ray discovered rock and roll at the age of 7, while watching Elvis Presley on television. Inspired by Elvis, he used to stand in front of a mirror shaking his leg just like the king of rock and roll, never dreaming that he would eventually come to know and work with a number of the legendary musicians and singers who worked with Elvis Presley – Charlie Hodge, JD Sumner and the Stamps, DJ Fontana, and The Jordanaires.
Career highlights in Canada and in the United States include performing on stage in “Rock and Roll Heaven,” “Legends of Rock and Roll,” “Superstars in Concert, “Legends In Concert,” “50’s At The Hop,” “A Really Big Shew” “Legendary Stars” and “The Winter Dance Party.” Ray also played the title role of “Johnny Rocker” in the Las Vegas based feature film of the same name.
Another recent accomplishment for “Sting Ray” Anthony has been working at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri, performing 50’s and 60’s music with such well-known original rock and roll artists as Bobby Vee, Fabian, Shirley Alston Reeves, Little Peggy March, Chubby Checker, Danny and the Juniors, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Johnny Preston, the original Comets,Diamond Dave Sommerville( the Original lead singer of The Diamonds), and Bill Medley - with his outstanding musicianship earning their respect and admiration.
Ray has also become widely recognized for his unparalleled tribute to Ritchie Valens. With his resemblance to Lou Diamond Phillips in the l987 film “La Bamba” and his phenomenal live guitar playing, he has developed a “Ritchie” tribute that has been highly endorsed by the Valens estate. He has also become close to Ritchie Valens’ family. As Erma Valenzuela says, “Every time I see Ray perform, I tear up.”
February 2009 marked 50 years since the fateful plane crash which took the lives of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper. In appreciation of the role that Ray Anthony has played in keeping Ritchie Valens’ legacy alive with his outstanding tribute, he was presented with a special gold record by the Valens family.
The multi-talented Sting Ray Anthony delivers an energetic, fast-paced, and fun performance each time he steps on to the stage.
