R. A. Solis

Now in my 53rd year as a musician/songwriter, born and raised in Port Arthur, TX, I started my professional musical career May 28, 1958. My Brother Louis said, "Go on! You can do it!" when Johnny Preston asked me to join the "The Shades" as piano player. And it's been my labor of love and career, even to this date. In 1959 as Preston's 'Running Bear' hit the charts, I joined Jivin' Gene Bourgeois and 'The Jokers,' playing along with my brother, Louis, already a member.

In early 1960 I began vocalizing and I formed my own band 'Ray & The Royals.' We've performed in and around Southeast Texas, mostly in private clubs, but doing many worthwhile benefits and playing at any venue. We are now Ray Solis & Spectrum, professing many genre. January 4, 2009 was our last night at 'The Pompano Club' in Port Neches, TX, having been on the bandstand for thirty-eight years.

In the early sixties I composed and recorded a couple of singles; one was 'Baby, Please Don't Go,' a local favorite. One of my favorite memories is making a duet commercial with my friend, Janis Joplin, in 1961 for Nacogdoches State Bank. In 1992 I retired after thirty years of service at the Gulf /Chevron Refinery. Since then I continue performing but have rekindled my composition hobby. While becoming a BMI writer in 2000, I composed all of the songs on my first CD production Spectrum Magic. It is multi-genre, familiar songs mostly for my friends, fans and members of the club.

Christmas Magic which contains my twelve new compositions (using only a Yamaha PSR-630 keyboard and Cakewalk Pro) was released on September 27, 2001.

MUSICIAN'S PRAYER

God, please bless my music that it might glorify Your name,

May using it to serve You always be my aim.

Let it be a witness to Your majesty and love,

And remind us that You're watching from Your throne above.

Oh Lord, I ask for guidance in everything I do,

And pray You'll make my music and instrument for You. Amen.

~ R. A. SOLIS ~