Collin Raye: 'In This Life'

Collin Raye performs "In This Life"

[patrickokeefe]

Hugely underrated artist, Such a great songwriter and a brilliant voice as well

[mathprodigy]

I think the people here like him, but I think the people here have no idea of the magnitude of his contributions to country, hell, music in general, and society. One of the best voices and people you'll hear or meet anywhere, ever. 

He has been very generous to many organizations, including the Special Olympics, Parade of Pennies, and Silent Witness National Initiative, he has performed at many churches, he has raised awareness to issues like alcoholism with his track "Little Rock", child abuse with tracks like "The Eleventh Commandment", and he has started a foundation in his grandaughter's memory, named The Haley Bell Blessed Chair Foundation, who died of an undiagnosed brain disorder.

His songs actually embody substance, unlike a lot of the "popular" country music nowadays. A song like "Not That Different", which is one of my personal favorites, preaches tolerance and tells a great story about how a woman feels like maybe her man isn't what she's searching for after all, when the man reminds her just what they have in common. A song like "Love Remains" tells a great narrative about how love can endure many things and keep us glued together, even in life's most trying circumstances. And then there's songs like this one, "In This Life", and "If I Were You", which are some of his trademark ballads about love. 

Collin Raye is a true modern legend of country music, but in my mind, of music in general. Although some of his hits were number one on country charts, I still feel his impact is undervalued and underestimated. When I think "vocal powerhouse", I think Collin Raye. Listen to his rendition of Journey's "Open Arms", which has been covered popularly by the likes of Mariah Carey, and tell me if Collin Raye doesn't make you a believer as well. 

He's one of the best ever, people. Appreciate him while you can.

[renafox]

I was there at this store in Nashville when he was there for the Grand Opening

[packfan]

I wish he would come to my town/Wal-Mart!