Ray Stevens (born Harold Ray Ragsdale, January 24, 1939, Clarkdale, Georgia) is an American country music and pop singer-songwriter who has become known for his novelty songs as well as more serious works. He was born in Clarkdale, a small town west of Atlanta.
Stevens's music seems to be mostly influenced by traditional country-and-western and gospel music, but in his earlier material, heavy influences from R&B; groups can be heard. He has done ...
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Ray Stevens (born Harold Ray Ragsdale, January 24, 1939, Clarkdale, Georgia) is an American country music and pop singer-songwriter who has become known for his novelty songs as well as more serious works. He was born in Clarkdale, a small town west of Atlanta.
Stevens's music seems to be mostly influenced by traditional country-and-western and gospel music, but in his earlier material, heavy influences from R&B; groups can be heard. He has done a few satire songs using other styles such as "I Need Your Help, Barry Manilow;" "Ned Nostril," and "Surfin' USSR." Many of his novelty songs include long sections of dialog between two people, both played by Stevens, such as in "The Streak," or between him and an unheard character over the telephone, such as in "Shriner's Convention" or "It's Me Again, Margaret." Unlike some novelty artists, such as "Weird Al" Yankovic, Stevens has had some successful serious songs, such as "Mr. Businessman," "Everything Is Beautiful," "Turn Your Radio On,"...
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