Amy Ray

Biography

Amy Elizabeth Ray was born on April 12, 1964, in Decatur, Georgia. Her musical beginnings trace back to her childhood in the mid-1970s, when as a young girl she played Partridge Family songs on guitar and dreamed of being teen idol David Cassidy. By age 10, she met Emily Saliers, and the two began performing together, initially as 'Saliers and Ray' in school, church shows, and talent competitions. They formed the Indigo Girls in high school around 1981, releasing a basement tape 'Tuesday's Children' and later signing with Epic Records in 1988, earning a Grammy in 1990 for their folk-rock work. Ray graduated from Emory University in 1986 while continuing to develop her passion for music, activism in environmental, human rights, and women's issues, and founding the independent label Daemon Records.[1][2][3][4][5][7]

Fun Facts

• As a tween in the 1970s, Ray dreamed of becoming David Cassidy and wrote songs about injustice and unrequited love, playing them in the schoolyard.
• Her first solo gig was as lead singer in a church rock band covering songs; they kicked her out after one performance, possibly because she was a girl.
• In 2020 during the pandemic, Ray and her band recorded the single 'Tear It Down' from makeshift home studios, addressing her Confederate upbringing and anti-racism activism.
• Ray once performed live once with Bruce Springsteen.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Allman Brothers - stylistic influences in Southern rock (referenced in Goodnight Tender (2014)) [ongoing career]
• Carter Family - folk and country influences (various solo albums) [ongoing career]
• Replacements - punk rock influence channeled in solo work (Stag (2001), Prom (2005)) [2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Emily Saliers - longtime musical partner and co-founder (Indigo Girls albums (1987-present)) [1981-present]
• Brandi Carlile - guest vocalist and harmony collaborator (Didn't It Feel Kinder (2008), gospel/country sessions) [2008-2014]
• Donna Dresch - band member in punk project (Prom (2005)) [2005]
• Jody Bleyle - band member in punk project (Prom (2005)) [2005]
• Kate Schellenbach - band member from Luscious Jackson (Prom (2005)) [2005]
• Jim James - guest vocalist (Didn't It Feel Kinder (2008)) [2008]

External Links

• Spotify