It was a late evening in September as I stood out front of a popular Buckhead, Atlanta music venue awaiting their arrival. This would be the first time meeting them, but I had studied their story so much it felt as though I knew them already. It wouldn’t be long before the large brightly painted tour bus would pull up and park right in front of the establishment located on one of the many Peachtree Streets found in the city, known to many as the the new Hollywood of the South. When they settled into a spot, I climbed aboard of what I though would be just another interview and a chance to hear some great music, but never once did I expect to develop a bond that would transcend this story. I prepared to sit down with an amazing man that just so happens to lead an amazing band. Sure he is gifted with the ability to make great music, but that gift is one of many and the journey to get there would leave any spectator in awe. On this evening I would meet Ray Johnston along with the Ray Johnston Band or RJB (www.rayjohnstonband.com) as they are know by their fans and followers. This sweet combination of talented musicians is currently on tour promoting their new release “Sweet Tooth”, the band’s first album which is selling well on iTunes, Amazon.com and personally while on the RJB Fall Tour. The band which consists of Cooper Appelt (bass), Bobby Sparks (organ, keyboard), Ray Johnston (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Keith Anderson (sax), Jeff Randall (drums), and William Barnes (lead guitar) is poised for success. The group was crafted from a vision Ray had of just putting some guys together and jamming or rather reaching back to explore a passion that would become the driving force behind his music.
Ray an athlete at heart who played both football and basketball in high school, but always had a love and ear for music, would go on to play in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks for a stint and his story continued to evolve. Sure it sounds easy, as if it all happened overnight, but the story is complete with twist, turns, triumphs and disappointments. Five guys decided to buy into the dream of one man with a track record of success.
Mark Cuban the owner of the Dallas Mavericks as well as HDnet, an all high-def TV channel, is doing a ten episode docu-series (http://www.hd.net/rayjohnston.html ) all about this band out of Dallas. You may ask yourself, who is this Ray Johnston and why all the fuss about him? Well his story is one of strength and perseverance because Ray has also been battling leukemia for the fifth time in the midst of his journey. HDnet has been following Ray through major cancer treatments, forming the band, recording the album and touring. Ray’s battle with cancer and his music create an encouraging story that gives those experiencing the same battle strength to move forward and has been recognized in “CNN Heroes”. They have also partnered with The Ryan Griffin Foundation (TRGF) www.trgf.org, a Dallas based non-profit organization that supports leukemia research. Ray hopes that the Fall tour will not only offer great music, but will share the importance of leukemia research.
Ray Johnston’s story is phenomenal. Join 5 with Clyde tomorrow Friday, December 4, 2009 to learn more about what I call a movement and an in-depth look at the man behind the charge. Ray and the Band will be back in Atlanta Saturday, December 5th at Andrews Upstairs. If you are anywhere near the Atlanta area, this is a show you don’t want to miss!
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