Barry Gray

Footsteps is the debut release for Burlington, NC singer-songwriter Barry Gray. Gray was awarded a North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship in Songwriting in 2018 that enabled him to record Footsteps. His folk style is speckled with blues, country, and gospel influences. The songs are about personal struggle and community; finding a way to make a difference in a complicated, unfair world is a common theme of the album. With the support and encouragement of a Triad songwriter network, Gray started playing his songs at open mics. A respected supporter encouraged him to enter songwriting competitions. The first contest he won enabled him to record a studio demo of two songs that he submitted to the NC Arts Council songwriting competition. After 30 years of songwriting, and with the help of the NC Arts Council, he published his first album of original songs. Along with members of his family -- sister Bev Gray Gude, brother-in-law Dave Gude, and brother Brad -- Barry plays in Graymatter -- a 60s and 70s cover band known for their big harmonies. Barry is a member of award-winning songwriter Wes Collins' band, along with FJ Ventre (bass) and Scott Dameron (guitar). Barry also writes and performs with fellow singer-songwriter Isabel Valls. Their voices blend in harmony and their guitar styles are perfect complements.

Burlington, NC