Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Ray Pillow

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

Ray Pillow never initially wanted to go into a music career. He learned to play the guitar while bedridden as a child, but never thought it could make a career. He first sang as a favor to his uncle, who's band The Stardusts had a sick member.

Background and Early Career

• Ray Pillow graduated high school and immediately joined the US Navy, where he spent four years serving his country.
• He then attended college and earned his bachelors degree in business. This would set Ray up for future success in the business industry.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Ray Pillow was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry as a member on April 30, 1966. A fun fact about Ray is that he almost missed his first Opry performance, but decided to stay in Nashville for long enough to perform. He had been planning on returning to Lynchburg to his family.

Ray Pillow at the Opry

• These days Ray is more focused on the business aspect of country music rather than performing. But every once in a while he will grab his guitar and head on down to the Grand Ole Opry to play a set or two. To see if he will be performing any time soon check out the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog!

Notable Hits You Might Hear at the Grand Ole Opry

• "One Man in a Two Sided Bed"
• "Thank God and Greyhound"
• "Friday Night Blues"
• "Wasted Again"
• "Take Your Hands Off My Heart"
• "Thank You Ma'am"

More Details

• After spending time at several record companies Ray Pillow is now an independent record consultant. He is renowned for being able to match artists with great songs.
• See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!