Frank Ray opens for Priscilla Block Aug. 2 at the Adams County Fair.

Courtesy Joseph Llanes

Navigating the music industry can be a trying journey for promising artists. From local act to police officer to family man, Frank Ray has taken a long path toward success in country music, and his work is not done.

“I know where I’m at, there are certain tiers to this genre and the industry,” Ray said. “You kind of have to claw your way to the top, but I have every intention of doing just that.”

Ray is set to perform at the Adams County Fair on Aug. 2. It has been a dream of his to be a touring musician since he was young, and his exposure to country music at that time helped shape his goals. It’s easy for him to reflect upon his childhood as he now has three daughters of his own.

“My family is the whole reason I’m doing this,” Ray said. “Be a good role model for these girls and let them know that you can absolutely go out and achieve your dreams, as cliché as that might sound.”

Nashville sounds, New Mexico roots

He and his family are currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of the country scene. Yet, the sound and themes found in his songs can be traced back to his modest Texas and New Mexico roots.

Ray first experienced performing on stage while serving as the frontman for a local pop punk outfit in Las Cruces, New Mexico. What started and ended as a project for family and friends, he realized being on stage is where he belonged, but it would be through his true love: country music.

Ray then helped form Border Avenue. The band gained momentum in Las Cruces and throughout New Mexico, yet responsibility was still a constant, and during these years he found professional stability in law enforcement, serving on Las Cruces Police Department.

Things began to change when Border Avenue won a battle of the bands contest which gave them the chance to open for Keith Urban. It was no longer a hobby for Ray, but deep down it never had been.

“This is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life,” Ray reminisced about the moment.

After a decade of police service, Ray decided to take the leap toward achieving stardom. With the blessing of his bandmates, his peers and his superiors on the force, he decided to take advantage of an opportunity to progress his music career.

Looks good on him

Ray has since blossomed into a rising star. He was featured on the TBS singing competition “Real Country,” was country radio’s most added artist in 2021, and singles such as “Country’d Look Good On You” and “Tequila Mockingbird” have helped him eclipse 20 million global streams.

Ray is currently touring in support of his self-titled debut album, which was released this year. His sound fits the modern country mold, but with a tad more flare and a little Latin flavor at times. Adding a Hispanic element to his songwriting is important to the musician.

Ray explained his mix derives from his upbringing. He would constantly listen to country music on the radio while in Texas, but when he would spend time in New Mexico during the summers, he was fully immersed into his Hispanic heritage.

Country music has a solid Hispanic fanbase, though underrepresented, so the blend was natural for Ray.

“You see how refreshing it is for people to see Hispanic artists get up there and put a different flavor in the genre,” Ray said.

“You realize how important it is for you to represent an entire culture,” he added. “It’s a huge badge of honor that I wear on my sleeve, and I just want to have a significant impact in country music and inspire other Hispanic artists.”

This fusion is exemplified in the song “Wasting Your Words,” but the album is powered by other tracks such as “Streetlights,” “Ya’ll Showed Up” and “Prettiest Girl At The Bar.” The listing is a balanced blend of catchy energetic tracks and slow ballads focusing on love, friendship and the journey that is life. Ray has created a vibe that is easy for audiences and listeners to embrace.

For Ray, the journey has been well worth it.

“It’s been one of endurance, and faith, and gamble,” Ray said about his path. “I’m very grateful for everybody on my team, everybody in my family, my band and myself for staying the course.”

Ray’s music can be found on every major streaming service and he can be followed on social media @frankraymusic.

He is set to open for Priscilla Block at the Adams County Fair on Aug 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the free show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.