Ray Price was a country music singer and songwriter known for his unique baritone voice and his contribution to the development of the Nashville sound. Born on January 12, 1926 in Perryville, Texas, Price was raised in a musical family and began performing at an early age. He began his career as a honky-tonk singer but later became known for his smoother, more polished style.
Price's breakthrough came in 1956 with the release of his single “Crazy Arms,” which became a huge hit and stayed at the top of the charts for 20 weeks. The song's success helped launch Price's career and established him as a major force in country music.
Over the years, he continued to produce hit songs, including “Heartaches by the Number,” “City Lights” and “For the Good Times,” which became his signature song.
Price was a pioneer in developing the Nashville sound, which blended country music with pop and rock influences. He worked with producer Owen Bradley to create a sound that was smoother and more polished than traditional country music. The result was a style that was more appealing to a wider audience and helped bring country music to a wider audience.
In addition to his singing career, Price was also a talented songwriter and worked with some of the industry's best, including Willie Nelson, Hank Cochran and Kris Kristofferson. He was also a respected bandleader and played with some of the best musicians in the industry.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996 and received numerous awards and honors. He was also a mentor to many younger artists and helped shape the careers of musicians such as Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and Johnny Paycheck.
Ray Price passed away on December 16, 2013, at the age of 87. But his legacy lives on through the music he created and the influence he had on the genre. He will always be remembered as one of the greats of country music, and his contribution to the Nashville sound and the genre as a whole will never be forgotten.
The album
The album opens with the song “Night Life” which we will discuss below. “Lonely Street” is a slow, emotional ballad that became a major hit for Ray Price. The song is a perfect example of how Ray Price could convey emotion in his music.
“Make the World Go Away” is another ballad that became a major hit for Ray Price. The song is a country music classic, with lyrics about the need to escape from reality and find a peaceful place to rest.
Other songs on the album include “Am I That Easy to Forget,” “I'm So Afraid of Losing You Again,” “Take Me as I Am (Or Let Me Go),” and “The Twenty-Fourth Hour.” Each of these songs exemplifies the quality of Ray Price's music, with lyrics that touch the soul and a voice that transports the listener.
Night Life
The song “Night Life” by Ray Price is a classic country song that was written by Willie Nelson and recorded by Ray Price for release in 1963. The song has become one of the greatest country songs of all time, and has been covered by many artists since its release.
When the evening sun goes down
You will find me hanging round
The night life ain't no good life
But it's my life
“Night Life” is a sad and nostalgic song about night life and the torments it can cause. The song focuses on a man who goes to bars to forget his worries and spends his time drinking and entertaining. Unfortunately, the character realizes that his nocturnal activities only keep him in a state of eternal despair.
What makes “Night Life” so special is Ray Price's steel guitar playing and poignant lyrics. The song has been covered by many artists. Here is a version sung by Cindy Lauper in 2016.