014 I AM The Band with Ray Chew Pt. 1

Music Director, Producer and Composer Ray Chew was a musical prodigy. Recognizing his extraordinary musical ability at a young age, his parents made it a priority to provide him with every opportunity to nurture and develop his innate musical talent. Surrounded by music throughout his life, Ray mastered piano, drums and percussion and reveled in the challenge of learning as many instruments as he could get his hands on. Starting his professional musical career during his high school years as Melba Moore's pianist, Ray was discovered at the age of 19 by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson when he was chosen as their young music director. As a pianist and arranger Ray is credited on hundreds of recordings for artists including Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway and many more. He performs with the world’s most popular artists including Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Justin Bieber, Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Lenny Kravitz, Pitbull, Queen Latifah, James Taylor, Quincy Jones and the list goes on. He is in his 13th season as Music Director for ABC’s “Dancing with The Stars” and was the previous Music Director for Fox’s “American Idol’. Ray has served as music director for several network tv series and music specials including It’s Showtime at the Apollo, 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, theGrammy Awards, the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

What you will hear

Dancing With The Stars's current production process under Covid restrictions.

Ray’s heritage and family roots. His early beginnings growing up in Harlem and his parent’s early recognition and nurturing of his musical talent.

Ray’s classical and jazz education. His studying and mastery of piano, drums and percussion.

Exposure to the entertainment industry and first big job touring with Melba Moore during his high school years.

Ray’s first role as Musical Director with Nick Ashford and ValerieSimpson and his introduction to the commercial session world.

Ray’s journey and prolific career in television as a band member and musical director on shows including Saturday Night Live, Showtime at the Apollo, BET’s Celebration of Gospel, Awards, Honors and Sunday’s Best as well as American Idol, Network Specials and Dancing with the Stars.

The tremendous undertaking and process of producing all of the music for Macy’s Thanskgiving Day Parade.

Ray’s new and current projects, Fox's I Can See Your Voice and an upcoming Broadway Special.

Ray and his wife's foundation Power2Inspire and it's focus on mentoring young people looking to get in to the professional world.

Reflecting on his journey while staying focused on what he continues to aspire to.

The bestowing of blessing and gifts. Recognizing God given gifts.

Quotes

“Blessings and Gifts are never earned. They are bestowed.”

“You’ve earned nothing, you’ve been blessed and now it’s your duty to live up to the blessings and do your best. It’s also your duty to help enrich the soil in which you are living and sitting and help others.”

“It’s not that I was so good or great that I deserved anything, it’s that he chose me and here I am.”

Mentioned

Ray Chew

Power2Inspire Foundation

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Dancing With the Stars

I Can See Your Voice

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