Ray Boltz / Word

Biography

Allegiance

Ray Boltz has grasped a life-changing concept of giving his simple God given gifts back to the Lord, and has literally watched his words and music change thousands of lives. Modern-day classics like "Thank You," "The Altar" and "I Will Praise The Lord" have become part of the very fabric of people's lives and walk with the Lord. Ray's newest release, Allegiance, contains all of the familiar ingredients that have endeared Ray and his music to so many, while taking him into new and exciting terrain.

The title song, "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb," is an inspiring anthem, sure to stand next to "Thank You" as a Boltz standard. "Thrown Away" is a touching story song with a profound moral. "I Go To The River" is soulful gospel, while "The Anchor Holds" and "This Is Where I Met Jesus" are two of the most powerful and stirring ballads of Ray's career.

But building on a firm foundation of what his fans have come to love and expect from him, Ray now takes some bold steps in new directions, and proves along the way he has some tricks up his sleeve that few might have expected.

Assembling a group of some of heartland America's finest musicians, Ray went into a studio near his hometown of Muncie, Indiana, last summer and got to work.

"I sat down in the studio with just an acoustic guitar or at the piano, and showed the band each song," Ray explains. "I talked about feelings, and what I wanted to communicate, and then let them go where their own creativity led them."

Discovering an immediate and exhilarating chemistry together, Ray and the band found themselves placing some of Ray's harder-hitting lyrical messages in even bolder musical settings.

"There is an acoustic rock sound that is just kind of inbred in musicians in the Midwest," says Ray. "You can hear it in some of John Mellencamp's music. Some of the songs on the new album have lyrics that just needed a harder edge to them musically."

Sandwiched between the more gentle moments on Allegiance is some rock-solid, energetic pop. "Reigning" lays a beautiful melody and harmonies over muscular electric guitars with lyrics of praise and worship. "Bought With Blood" is a driving acoustic rocker that finds Ray delivering a strong expression of faith and commitment with a tough edge of conviction in his voice.

Especially close to Ray's heart is "I Will Tell The World," an upbeat anthem with both a serious message and a mission behind it. "My oldest daughter and a group of teenagers in my church went on a six-week mission trip to Africa recently," Ray recounts. "I saw what a truly life-transforming experience it was for them, and my wife and I got interested in helping Teen Mania, the organization that had sponsored the trip. I asked what I could do to help, and they asked me if I would write a song for them."

Ray's enthusiasm and willingness to lend a hand quickly resulted in "I Will Tell The World." Delighted with the song, Teen Mania sent Ray to Botswana, Africa, to shoot a video of it with acclaimed producer Steve Yake. His week in Africa, and the resultant video, as inspiring as it is humorous, stoked Ray's enthusiasm for the mission field. "I want to challenge people, especially youth, to go on mission trips," he says, "because once they've experienced that, they'll never be the same."

"The most powerful and effective way to communicate my heart and an emphasis for missions to my audience was my focus on Allegiance. It was amazing. As we progressed the album took on a kind of life and energy that I haven't felt before. I just went in and said to the player, 'This is what I want to say to the people. Help me say it.' And that's what we've done."

Averaging over 100 performances a year, nearly all sell-outs, Ray is now touring for the first time with a full band, as well as a dazzling array of special effects.

"We'll be using robotic-driven lights, and a giant video screen as a backdrop, with all of the visuals produced by Steve Yake," says Ray. "With each song we can not only completely change the stage setting, but really take the people into the feeling, and the mood, and the heart of the songs."

Although Ray's shows have evolved into state-of-the-art entertainment, Ray still hasn't lost touch with his roots. "I write for the common man. I started my concert ministry twelve years before I first recorded. I'd be in a nursing home one night, and prison the next, and a church youth group after that. I discovered just how great people's needs really are, in the church or out. I just wanted to minister to those needs, and that's still where my heart is. I never expected in my wildest dreams for God to put me where He has now. Remembering those early days is what keeps my heart in the right place."

Whether melting hearts with gorgeous ballads, or kicking up dust with a little rock 'n roll, Ray Boltz is still doing what he has always done best: taking the love of God to real people . . . in the real world.

Discography

 
1994	Allegiance

1992	Seasons Change

1992	Moments for the Heart Collection

1991	Another Child to Hold

1989	The Altar

1988	Thank You

1986	Watch the Lamb

Videos

 
"I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb"

"I Will Tell The World"

"Heaven Is Counting On You"

Awards and Nominations

1990 Dove Award for Song of the Year

Numerous Dove nominations, including:

Inspirational Song of the Year

Musical Album of the Year

Inspirational Album of the Year

Songwriter of the Year