Ray LaMontagne

Raymond Charles "Ray" LaMontagne is an American singer-songwriter. Ray was born in Nashua, NH in 1973 to a constantly traveling mother and a violent musician father who abandoned the family during Ray's childhood. Because of his father's background in music, LaMontagne refrained from most musical activity, instead spending much of his time reading fantasy novels in the forest. After graduation, LaMontagne moved away from his family, ending up in Lewiston, ME where he found a job working in a shoe factory. Reportedly, after hearing a Stephen Stills song, LaMontagne decided to quit his job and pursue a career in music. LaMontagne began touring in 1999, although he maintained a side job as a tutor. Ray is particularly known for his raspy voice, which he says he learned by singing through his gut and not his nose. He has stated that he is highly influenced by Stephen Stills, Richard Manuel, and Rick Danko. Critics have compared LaMontagne's music to that of The Band, Van Morrison, Nick Drake, and Tim Buckley. LaMontagne refers to himself as a "very private person", and rarely gives interviews. He also usually does not interact much with the audience between songs during his live shows and has been known to perform in the dark to avoid distracting bright lights and to separate himself from the audience because of his shy nature. Much of this has changed as his music career has progressed and he has become more accustomed to doing interviews. LaMontagne has won a number of awards for his music and has performed at several charity events. This is Beg Steal or Borrow" off of his latest release God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise.

www.raylamontagne.com

Smelly Dog

*Les Paul's Birthday is today, He was born this day in 1915*