RIP Ray Burdette

[Bob Hempker]

I just heard that Ray Burdette lost his battle with Cancer, this morning at 8:39 am. Many of you probably knew Ray. He had a background in Gospel as a bass singer. He worked the road with Crash Craddock, Loretta Lynn, and Charlie Pride. He may have worked for others I can't think of. He was in the Gospel Quartet on Hee-Haw. I worked with Ray for several years. Ray, please Rest in Peace.

[John LeMaster]

I was fortunate to see Ray in person back in the 1970s. He was singing with "The Blackwood Singers", and they had a new album that included the song 'The Third Man'. Ray had a resonant, deep voice and did a moving recitation in that song.

Rest in Peace, Ray.

John LeMaster

[David Thornhill]

Ray Burdett was a great bass singer and stage professional as any one in the game. I worked many years with him in the Loretta Lynn Band. He will be greatly missed by many. There are a lot of good road stories that involved Ray, Some I will talk about and others that I'll let lay. Will see him again someday!!!! Dave Thornhill

[Dino Strunk]

Thanks for the update Bob. I've been wondering how he was doing...and I knew the end was inevitable. I had worked with Ray on the Brumley Music show here in Branson. He was a great guy and a great talent. Rest in peace my friend.

Dino*

[Louie Hallford]

Dino thanks for the note regarding Ray being on the Brumley Show in Branson. That reminded where I first saw and heard Ray sing,as I had forgotten.

He had the smoothest and possibbly the lowest bass voice I ever heard...and I am a big Southern Gospel fan, and feel I have heard most of the best during my 70 plus years.

I think of him as a middle aged man. Anyone know how old was he when he died?

[Russ Wever]

66
->click
and
->clack

[Doug Palmer]

I worked with Ray back in the 70's with Crash and The Tennesseans. Ray stole every show. What a voice. He will be missed.