Nashville, TN. (Aspirion Records) - Multi-platinum star Collin Raye blew onto the country music scene with five Platinum albums, 25 Top Ten hits, 15 No. 1 smashes and 12 chart-topping videos. Now with his 'Twenty Years And Change' album, he felt it was time for a change. Joining Collin team is Manager Ken Kragen of Kragen & Company; Consultant and Marketing Strategist Michael McVay of McVay Media; Tour Management Executive Pat Melfi; Booking Agents Steve Lassiter and Bonnie Sugarman at APA; and Publicists Kirt Webster and Ebie McFarland of Webster & Associates PR.
Even though there was no sign of bad weather in the Collin Raye camp, with a new record deal on Aspirion Records, Collin felt the need to change directions.
Ken Kragen brings unique and creative concepts that demonstrate his gift for "thinking outside of the box" to the team. "It's a thrill to be involved with Collin Raye,' says Kragen. 'My family and I have been true fans of his for years. We've gone to see him live many times (he's certainly one of the best live performers in music) and bought all of his CDs. I feel blessed now to be part of the team that is going to take Collin Raye's career to new heights."
Mike McVay serves as President of McVay Media and is a special consultant to several nationally syndicated programs and radio networks. His expertise touches more than 8 million Americans a day. "Collin is an amazing talent. His voice is identifiable and comfortable. Listening to Collin's music is what sold me on agreeing to work with him and his team. It's easy to support him,' says McVay.
APA's Steve Lassiter and Bonnie Sugarman, in addition to the Concert Department, push for their clients to have the opportunity to expand and develop their careers through our other entertainment departments that include film, television, theatre and publishing to which Collin is no stranger. 'We are very pleased and excited about representing Collin Raye,' says Lassiter. 'He is an incredibly talented singer and one of the most exciting and dynamic performers on the scene today. APA is proud to be his agency of choice.'
The Music Associates is the valued leader in event management and concert production. 'I've been with Collin from the beginning,' says Melfi. 'My children grew up with him and his music. Collin's live shows leave you spiritually charged and uplifted. Through all his high energy stage performances, you're left pondering thoughts of how you feel toward your spouse, significant other and your children. He is distinctively No 1.'
The new single 'Hurricane Jane' and the 'Collin Raye Honky Tonk Hurricane Tour' will take Collin to clubs in Texas and Oklahoma and continue into the holiday season adding dates in Western United States. The single, 'Hurricane Jane,' will also be featured in Biloxi Tuesday, August 29-performed by Collin at the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
'I recorded the single 'Hurricane Jane' before the devastating hurricanes,' says Collin, 'so I never believed it would be a single, nor be performed at the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, but I think that the clever nature of the song and its rhythm help people realize there are many powers that disrupt our everyday lives-good and bad.'
For additional news and information on Collin Raye, please visit www.collinraye.com.
