New release available soon.
Featuring the title track "A Miracle"
Meet Ray
Ray Martin – A Journey Through Music
Early 70s: The journey of Ray Martin began in the vibrant music scene of Winnipeg, where at just 16, he started playing in the rustic bars scattered across the city. It was during this era that Ray's talent for songwriting started to take shape, laying the foundation for a promising musical career.
The 80s: A significant turn in Ray's career came when he was hired at Century 21 studios in Winnipeg. Here, he honed his craft in writing and selling "jingles" for commercial customers using radio and TV advertising. His talent led to the production of commercials and the sale of jingles across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. A partnership with Russ Mitchell opened doors to producing music for television shows that would reach audiences worldwide. This decade also saw the formation of the Foster Martin Band co-founded with Lyle Foster. Their first album was recorded at Maddock Studios by Dave Roman and producer Randy Heibert (Bellamy Brothers), marking the start of a prolific recording phase. Craig Fotheringham joined as the producer and band piano player for five subsequent albums, contributing significantly to the band's evolving sound.
The 90s: Ray and the Foster Martin Band took the Canadian country music scene by storm, touring across the country and performing at every major country music festival from Havelock, Ontario, to Merrit, BC. Sharing stages with legends like George Jones and Pam Tillis, the band also ventured internationally, performing in France, Germany, Spain, and Australia, showcasing their music to a global audience.
2000s: "Thank You Lord For The Sun" became a pivotal song for Ray, featured at a songwriting seminar during Canadian country music week in Calgary, which opened doors to Nashville. This led to invitations for Ray and Lyle Foster to write with renowned artists across Canada and the United States, including Kenny Alphin (Big Kenny from Big & Rich). During this period, Ray developed a lifelong friendship with Gilles Godard, now the Nashville president of Anthem Music. Another highlight was the honor of performing in a Gospel quartet with Canadian music icon Ray St. Germain, Lorlie Barkman, and Wes Wilson, spanning over five years.
2020s: Ray's musical journey has taken a spiritual turn, with him writing, co-writing, and producing his first country gospel album. Despite the shifts in his musical direction, Ray continues to perform occasional shows with the Foster Martin Band, testament to the enduring legacy and camaraderie of the group.
Ray Martin's career is a testament to his versatility, resilience, and deep-rooted passion for music. From the bars of Winnipeg to the global stage, Ray's journey is a captivating story of musical evolution and personal growth, underscored by a lifetime commitment to the art of songwriting and performance.
Ray Martin: Beyond the Music
Ray Martin isn't defined by his multiple Manitoba Country Music awards or his induction into the MCMA Hall of Fame; it's his unwavering dedication to songwriting that truly encapsulates his essence. Ray's passion for collaboration with friends and his talent for narrating his own experiences through music have shaped his career and touched the hearts of his listeners. His songs, rich with emotion and delivered through his resonant baritone voice, invite audiences into a deeply personal and moving musical journey.
For more than four decades, Ray's music has reached fans worldwide, resonating through radio waves and personal collections. Yet, for Ray, the most fulfilling way to share his music is in person. From intimate family gatherings to large stage performances, Ray believes in the power of live music to convey the full depth and emotion of his songs.
Now, Ray is set to captivate his audience once again with a new collection of songs that promise to inspire, warm hearts, and maybe even forge a special connection. Leading this collection is "A Miracle," a song rooted in a true, almost cinematic story of grace and serendipity. It's a narrative that could only be described as miraculous.
The Story Behind "A Miracle"
"A Miracle" is a testament to the unpredictable and grace-filled turns of life. At 17, Ray and his then-girlfriend Patricia, who would become his wife two years later, faced the agonizing decision to give their son up for adoption due to their young age and family tensions. This decision, though heartrending, was believed to be in the best interest of their child.
Eighteen years later, through the wonder of God's grace and facilitated by Child & Family Services, their son sought out and found his birth parents, now married, and discovered he had a younger brother and sister. Their first meeting on August 19th, 1989, is the miraculous moment that inspired Ray's song "A Miracle."
Ray's roots trace back to Radville, Saskatchewan, but his story unfolded in southern Manitoba, where he grew up in St Jean Baptiste and St Adolphe before finally settling in St Boniface. It was here that he met his future wife as a teenager. Together, Ray and Pat have celebrated 50 years of marriage, and their family has grown to include 13 grandchildren.
As the front man and lead vocalist of the award-winning Foster Martin Band for 29 years, Ray Martin has left an indelible mark on the country music scene. Yet, it's his personal experiences, his dedication to his craft, and his ability to share stories through music that truly define his legacy.
