Ray Boltz

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Ray Boltz
Born (1953-06-14) June 14, 1953 (age 72)
Muncie, Indiana, U.S.
Genres Contemporary Christian
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active1986–2004, 2008–2023
Website RayBoltz.com

Raymond Howard Boltz (born June 14, 1953) is an American retired [1] singer and songwriter who first came to notice in contemporary Christian music. Many of his songs tell stories of faith and inspiration.

Contents

Background

Raised by his parents William and Ruth Boltz in Muncie, Indiana, Ray Boltz is the middle of three children. [2] Boltz was married to Carol (née Brammer) [2] Boltz [3] for 33 years (1975–2008), and they have four children. [2] Boltz graduated from Ball State University with a degree in business and marketing. [2]

Boltz was unknown when he wrote "Thank You", which won the Song of the Year prize at the 1990 GMA Dove Awards. [4] His song "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" also won a Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year, at the 25th GMA Dove Awards in 1994. After the release of Songs from the Potter's Field in 2002, and his last tour in 2004, Boltz retired from the music industry. He separated from his wife in 2005 before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with their divorce being finalized in early 2008. [2]

On September 12, 2008, during an interview with the Washington Blade , Boltz came out as gay. [5] Since then, Boltz has performed at several churches of the Metropolitan Community Church, a gay-affirming Christian denomination. [6]

In 2010, Boltz released the album True, which won Album of the Year at the OUTMusic Awards. [3] Boltz lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his husband Franco Sperduti, [2] who is also his talent agent.

Discography

Compilation albums

  • 1994 Moments for the Heart (RIAA Gold Certified)
  • 2001 Moments for the Heart, Vol. 1 & 2
  • 2010 All The Best

Charts

YearAlbumChartPosition
1995The Concert of a Lifetime Billboard 200 194
1996No Greater SacrificeBillboard 200173
1997A Christmas Album: Bethlehem StarBillboard 200169

References

  1. ↑ "About Page".
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jones, Kim. "The Ray Boltz Story". Learn Religions. Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  3. 1 2 Freedman, Samuel G. (2010-05-14). "Christian Singer Resumes Career, Relieved of a Secret". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2017-02-25.
  4. ↑ "Thank You Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  5. ↑ DiGuglielmo, Joey (12 September 2008). "Key changes". Washington Blade. Retrieved 2009-02-19.[ dead link ]
  6. ↑ Lopez, Rich (2009-09-10). "Ray of Light". Dallas Voice. Retrieved 2009-01-01.[ permanent dead link ]
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