The album is now avaliable everywhere.
You can find an exclusive version with one extra track at your local Target!
By Luanne J. Hunt, Correspondent
Article Launched: 05/08/2008 04:38:02 PM PDT
He was one of country music's hottest stars in the 1990s, but singer Collin Raye said he remained unaffected by his celebrity. The Arkansas native, whose hits include "Love Me," "One Boy, One Girl" "That's My Story" and "I Think About You," admits he was never caught up in the glitz and glamour of show business.
Raye said displaying good morals and a strong character have always been his top priorities. He believes those values are more powerful and enduring than all the fame in the world.
"There's such a phoniness and shallowness to the whole star thing," said Raye, who will perform acoustic shows Monday at the Crazy Horse in West Covina. "I was 30 years old when I got my record deal and I never felt entitled to anything.
"It's an honor and a privilege to make a living singing for people and you can never take that for granted," he said. "If you don't walk humbly when it's happening, what are you going to do when it's over?"
Raye made his mark on country music in 1991 with the smash hit "Love Me." The touching ballad paved the way for more chart-toppers including, "Little Rock," "Not That Different" and "In This Life."
He was nominated for numerous awards from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. In 1997, Raye's video "I Think About You" won the ACM Video of the Year Award.
Since 1991, Raye has topped the Billboard country charts with 30 singles. He also has landed twice on the Adult Contemporary charts with songs written by Jim Brickman - "The Gift" and "Peace (Where the Heart Is)."
Raye, 48, has recorded 11 studio albums, including a Christmas album and a compilation of lullabies. His most recent EP, "Selected Hits," was released last year. The disc features four of Raye's hits, as well as two new songs, "Quitters" and "A Soldier's Prayer."
Raye said "A Soldier's Prayer" sends a message of faith and hope during wartime. "Quitters" is about the courage and tenacity of the handicapped, a theme near and dear to Raye's heart.
"My granddaughter Haley is extremely handicapped due to a degenerative brain disorder," said Raye, who was born in De Queen, Ark. "So this song is very close to me. It's powerful and inspires people to keep on trying and to remain strong and positive in the face of adversity."
Reflecting on his 18-year career, Raye admits he's had his fair share of challenges. One of those was a conflict with his former label, Epic Records; Raye parted ways with Epic in 2001. According to Raye, he asked Epic to release him from his contract after it failed to successfully promote his CD, "Can't Back Down." Because of what he described as contractural red tape, Raye was unable to seek a new record deal for much longer than he would have liked. He eventually signed with Infinity Records, but the company subsequently folded.
Raye admits it has been difficult to regain momentum, especially considering the way country music has changed since his heyday. He said there seems to be a lack of demand for meaningful and well-crafted songs.
"Country music was always a big mix, but now they are trying to appeal to one demographic," said Raye. "If you're a male artist and aren't singing about partying, they don't want you. I know my fans aren't listening to that. I've always leaned towards singing songs that make people feel better."
Raye remains hopeful about his future in the music business. Through his Web site and Myspace page, he is reaching his fans and attracting new ones. And he said he has received many requests to record more inspirational songs.
"I'm working on a CD of my favorite hymns done in a contemporary pop style," said Raye, whose musical influences include Merle Haggard, George Jones, Conway Twitty and Buck Owens. "The challenge will be to make them sound new and fresh and like Collin Raye songs. If it works out, we may do a contemporary Christian album. It seems like the gospel market has always accepted me with open arms."
Raye recently contributed to the CD "Songs 4 Worship: Country." The collection, which was released in October, includes his song "Get Up In Jesus' Name."
"Music is the most basic human accomplishment and there will always be a place for it in people's hearts," said Raye. "I have always seen it as God's gift to mankind to help us get through life a little easier."
Collinraye is in the top then of the gospelmusicchannel.com Chart!
take a look here.
Below is the email message i recived from Chris Courson, We tought of sharing this with everyone.
-- Pat Melfi
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Collin Raye's 'Quitters' is an awesome song. It is very inspirational to me and my family. My 21 yr old brother had an ATV accident in 2006 and he is paralyzed from the waist down. He has been involved in an activity-based therapy and has made tremendous strides. He is continuing with his progress and will not stop until he has made a full recovery.
My brother has been video-taping his progress and uploading them on you tube as well as on his personal website www.mattcourson.org.
In his last video he used 'Quitters' as the background song. I am attaching the link where this video is found. If you have time, please check it out. Every word sung has meaning to my brother's progress and his outlook for the future.
I want to thank you and Collin for producing such a uplifting and inspirational song that has had a positive effect our family as well as families across the country.
Chris Courson
No Rules
To Be Released June 17th
Rebecca Lynn Howard will be the first artist on Direct Holdings Americas, Inc’s newly launched record label, Saguaro Road Records.
click to read the official Press Release.