For Our Friend, Darren Ray...

Darren Ray... 

Friends:

As you may (or may not) know, I "retired" from both Oreo Blue and The Uncrowned Kings last month to focus on family and such. But last night, I was driving up to play a gig with The Uncrowned Kings and to pick up Darren Ray as usual. When I got to his house, he was just standing in the garage and didn't come to the car (like usual). I got out and walked up to him. He said, "I just can't." I hadn't seen him in about a month and he looked like he had lost 60 pounds, but moreso had lost the will to fight to get to the gig. His cancer treatments have gone from just chemo treatments to now including radiation for the last couple months. I am afraid for him. As you do know, this is all that Darren Ray does...play music.  Now he just "can't".  He talked about the sickness like no big deal, but when he knew he couldn't perform (and provide income), he cried right in front of me.  He didn't want to let anyone down...

Darren Ray has been a Fayetteville area music icon as much as anyone over the past 30 years+. With his time in Great Southern Railroad, Arkansas, Big Bad Bubba, The Darren Ray Band, Big Uns, and most recently, The Uncrowned Kings, he has been touted as one of the best male vocalists in the region. Both a NAMA and OMA Hall of Famer... But most importantly, he is a great and kind human who has given to all that will listen. He has a huge heart and has been there countless times for others. I would like to see us give for him in his time of need.

Everyone loves Darren Ray and he could use his friends right now.

Our initial goal is $10,000 but I hope we can exceed that number.  As we all know, a musician's life is a difficult one and although Darren Ray is a professional and responsibile version, it can be difficult to go any length without income.  If he is compelled to file for federal disability, it could take 6 months to even see a dime.  

There is a benefit concert and possible auction scheduled Sunday, February 11th in the afternoon to early evening at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, AR, USA.  We hope to have met our goal by then, but that night will also be a chance to help and give Darren our love.  

Thank you all in advance for any generosity you can spare.  

Love,

Stephen Boudreaux
479-236-4220
[email redacted]