Ray Bierweiler
Ray has two children - Shaun and Jenny and 4 Grandchildren. He recently lost his wife of 40 years to cancer.
Ray has been writing music for the past 40 years, and has written 10 praise and worship songs.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I have always had a love for music, I started by taking piano lessons and singing at the age of 7. Then saxophone at 12, and about that time The Beatles came on the scene and I learned to play guitar. I went on to play music professionally in 1969 and finally settled in Roanoke Virginia with a band called The Divots. After the band broke up, I had it with music so I didnt pick up my guitar until many years later. In 1989, I was exposed to Praise and Worship music and once again I was hooked. I became the worship director at our church. Thats when I started writing Christian music and Praise and Worship songs. Right now I am looking for direction to the rest of my life. I am feeling like I am being drawn towards music yet again.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
When I was the Frontman, Lead Vocalist for The Divots we where the opening act for a few of the more popular bands at that time. I will never forget the first big venue we played, opening for Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose.
Your musical influences
The Beatles, Styx, Chicago, Michael W Smith, and most bands and artists from the new Contemporary Christian labels.
What equipment do you use?
Acoustic Guitars: Takamine 6 & 12 String
Electric Guitar: Epiphone Sheraton
Microphone: Shure SM58
Recorder: Fostex MR-8
Editing Software: Cakewalk Sonar 4 Home Studio
