Ashley Ray

Born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, Ashley Ray embarked on a career in music, becoming a notable songwriter for various artists. She has written songs for musicians including Little Big Town, Lori McKenna, Sean McConnell, Ruston Kelly, Caroline Spence, Wade Bowen, Charles Kelly (Lady A), Brittney Spencer, and blues artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. A significant milestone in her songwriting career was co-writing “The Daughters” with Sean McConnell and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, which received a Grammy nomination.

As a recording artist, Ashley Ray has released solo albums that often draw from her personal experiences. Her album, Pauline, released in 2020, was described as a memoir, covering themes of home, family, loss, and personal decisions. This album gained critical attention, being featured on NPR’s Top 9 Albums of the Week and named among NPR’s 50 Best Albums of 2020, as well as Stereogum’s 10 Best Country Albums of 2020. Ray continued her solo career with the release of her album Animal in 2023, which delves into themes of self-discovery and personal authority, particularly through significant life transitions like divorce. Her song “Married” from this album addresses these themes directly.

Ashley Ray has demonstrated a progression in her career from a dedicated songwriter to a recognized solo artist who articulates personal narratives through her music. She recently signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Lady Fairchild Publishing in 2024, marking a new phase in her professional journey. She continues to record new music, with her next album scheduled for release in the fall of 2023.