In 1996, when Ray price was inducted into the Country Music hall of Fame, he said, "It's about time." What an understatement for someone who had such an impact on country music. Even Columbia Records, his career label, stated that Ray is the most under-rated of the great honky-tonk singers.

For an artist who spent 35 years on the charts, generating 46 Top-10 hits, including the 4th biggest song (Crazy Arms) in country music all-time, his induction was certinaly over due. Price started out honing his skills as a Hank Williams' protege. When Hank died in 1953, Ray struck out on his own and formed the Cherokee Cowboys. During the next twenty years, Ray was a dominate force in country music, in terms of talend, chart hits and influence.

Crazy Arms, along with City Lights, Heartaches by the Number and 17 other hits are included on The Essential Ray Price (1951-1962). These are all original Columbia recordings and Ray & the Cherokee Cowboys never sounded better then on these early performances.

The Essential Ray Price is currently available at


Career Highlights

Born in Perryville, TX

Major label - Columbia Records

Talk to Your Heart (1952) - his first Top 10

Crazy Arms (1956) - his biggest hit

On Billboard charts from 1952 - 1989

46 Top 10 Hits

No. 7 All-time Country Music Artist

Major Awards/Achievements

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1996)

CMA Album of the Year (I Won't Mention It Again - 1971)

Ray Price Home Page

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Revised: 11/8/1999 | Thanks for visiting!