Ray Stevens: Difference between revisions

Harold Ray Ragsdale was born on January 24, 1939, in [[Clarkdale, Georgia]].<ref name="rays-bio"/> He is the elder of two sons born to Willis Harold Ragsdale (1915–2001) and Frances Stephens Ragsdale (1916–97).<ref>{{cite web| title=Ray Stevens {{!}} Artist Bio| url=https://countrymusichalloffame.org/artist/ray-stevens/| access-date=2022-02-12| website=Country Music Hall of Fame| language=en-US}}</ref> Stevens had a younger brother, John, who was an actor and writer. John died in 2020 at the age of 75.<ref>{{cite web| title=Ray Stevens' Younger Brother Has "Unexpectedly" Died At Age 75| url=https://classiccountrymusic.com/ray-stevens-younger-brother-has-unexpectedly-died-at-age-75/| access-date=2022-02-12| website=Classic Country Music| date=2 April 2020| language=en-US}}</ref> While attending high school, Stevens formed his first band, a [[rhythm and blues]] group named The Barons. Following his graduation, Stevens enrolled in [[Georgia State University]] as a music major.<ref name="AMC">{{cite book |last=Woodstra |first=Chris |title=All Music Guide to Country: The Experts' Guide to the Best Country Recordings |year=1997 |publisher=Backbeat Books |isbn=978-0-8793-0475-1 |author2=Erlewine, Steven Thomas |author3=Bogdanov, Vladamir |author4=Erlewine, Michael |page=448}}</ref>