Carl Ray Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Mentor Johnny Nash With 'I Can See Clearly Now'
Country music singer/songwriter Carl Ray’s latest single, “I Can See Clearly Now” serves as a breath of fresh air and hope while remaining true to the classic masterpiece originally sung by his mentor, Johnny Nash. During their friendship, Nash and Ray agreed that they would one day record a record together. Turning back the hands of time to fulfill this promise, Ray found the inspiration to pay homage to his musical hero after Nash’s passing in 2020 while witnessing the hardships the world has faced over the last year. Ray’s upbeat version of this classic is a true sensation that delicately weaves new life into the storyline. The tune is laced with his tenor appeal which has been often compared to Nash. Ray’s rendition of “I Can See Clearly Now” single will surely become a household favorite once again, having us all singing, dancing, and looking past obstacles to dream a brand new dream for our world.
“I Can See Clearly Now” is available to download and stream on all digital services now!
“Johnny Nash is an American treasure. Nash was a great father, son, and husband. I was privileged to have this legend open up the treasure chest of his heart to me,” shares Carl Ray. “He was a friend, mentor, and big brother and sometimes a pain in the butt. We sang in church together, we prayed for this country together, went hunting, fishing and often sang underneath the Texas stars. Nash even taught me how to write songs and more importantly, how to ride a horse! I hope this tribute makes him proud, as I know he is listening from above.”
"I Can See Clearly Now" achieved success in the United States and the United Kingdom when it was released in 1972, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box charts. It also reached number one in Canada and South Africa.
Guided by Johnny Nash, Carl Ray has been performing and writing music for years and his passion shines throughout every song he creates. Ray puts even more heart into “I Can See Clearly Now” as a way to thank the person who helped him get his start in music. Ray has a unique experience of not only being a country music entertainer but a co-host on “Atlanta Live” with his wife, Gail Williams. He has released multiple singles including “I Stand With This Country” which was released in 2020 and went to #1 in Cash Box 2021.
Ray has shared the same bill with Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, Jason Aldean, Wade Hayes, Mark Wills, Neal McCoy, The Del McCoury Band among others.
He has been interviewed by the Associated Press, Billboard Magazine, US News and World Report, Legacy Magazine, Green Card Magazine (Paris, France), Richmond Times, and recently on Newsmax, The Rolling Stones, Dispatch, Denver Post, and countless other print media as well as major cyber zines.
Ray has also recorded with The Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent, David Ball, and Johnny Nash. Ray has also penned several songs for his mentor Johnny Nash which Nash recorded on his last album “Here Again”.
