Williams helped Price secure a place on the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in January 1952, and the two soon began touring together until Williams’ death in 1953. With a sound similar to Williams’, Price dug into his Texas roots for fresh, new sounds and formed the band, “Cherokee Cowboys.” He
Ray Price’s music has touched the lives of generations of people around the world...
began using twin fiddles, acoustic and steel guitars,
“Ray Price’s music has touched
stand-up bass and electric bass on the successful
the lives of generations of people
“Crazy Arms,” which became known as the “Ray
around the world,” said Jim Anderson,
Price Beat.” The song spent 20 weeks at No. 1 and
department head of the mass media,
became one of the longest-running hits in country
communications and theatre department
music history.
at A&M-Commerce. “He is generous
with his time and talent, going out of
Price’s multitude of country classics
in the late 1950s helped country music during
his way to help young people.” For his
a time when rock and roll was king. He worked
contributions to the state, region and
with country legends Willie Nelson, Roger Miller
country, as well as his accomplishments
and many others on his way to producing eight
throughout his career, Price will be
No. 1 hits and another top-10 hit from 1960-82.
receiving an honorary doctorate from
His musical accomplishments are numerous
A&M-Commerce on Dec. 19, 2009.
including 62 albums as well as Academy of
Country Music, Country Music Association
university can bestow on an individual,”
and Grammy Awards.
Anderson said. “There have been only a
handful of honorary doctorates given by
His latest release entitled “Last of the
“This is the highest honor a
Breed” came out in March 2007. In 1996, Price
the entire Texas A&M University System.
was inducted into the Country Music Hall
I can think of no other person more
of Fame, a testament to the lasting impact
deserving of this honor than
of his talent.
Ray Price.” n
Fall 2009 35