STARRY RAY

UK-born and bred singer-songwriter Starry Ray, reflects the confidence, strength, and authenticity of a woman who knows exactly who she is — and what she wants to say. She began writing songs young, using music to express the thoughts and emotions she often had to suppress. It was clear early on that Starry wasn't just a fan of music — she was destined to live it. At age 16, Starry joined her first country band, Buntline Special, based in Sidcup. The lineup included George Flett (vocals/lead guitar), Kevin Collins (pedal steel), Nigel Kinsett (bass), Johnny Geen (drums), and 16-year-old Sarah on lead vocals. Her talent and drive stood out immediately. Alan Cackett, editor of Maverick Magazine, would later describe her as having “one of the finest Americana voices this country has heard in a long time.” One of the defining moments in her early career came in August 2000, when Starry co-produced a powerful prison concert. Featuring 26 musicians — including inmates and well-known performers like Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze) — the project, titled ABH True Colors, raised significant funds for Demelza House Children’s Charity. Over the years, Starry has performed at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues and festivals. Highlights include Country2Country at The O2 Arena in 2013 and 2014, where she reached a wider audience and was named in the Top Three at the Great British Country Song Awards. Her international recognition followed quickly. In 2014 and 2015, she won two Country Music Awards at the Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards, and in 2017, she was invited back as a special guest performer. That same year, she was voted among the Top 10 Nominees for Artist of the Year at the UK Country Radio Awards. Starry has shared stages with some of the most respected names in country and Americana music, including acclaimed US songwriter Chip Taylor, legendary steel guitarist Al Perkins, singer-songwriter and country music trailblazer Gail Davies, and artists like Susan Gibson and Sally Barris. The latter was so impressed with Starry’s voice and songwriting that she invited her to perform in Nashville, where Starry appeared at the iconic Bluebird Café, receiving a warm welcome from some of the finest songwriters in the genre. Her first full-length album, "Buckle Up" (2013), is a deeply personal collection of songs drawn from real-life experiences. Tracks like "My Life" and "Slammin’ Door" explore themes of strength, healing, and resilience in the face of abuse and heartbreak. With songs like "Getting Over You" and "You Shine On", she blends vulnerability with hope, her faith shining through in both lyrics and delivery. As Alan Cackett wrote, "It takes great courage to open your heart and inner soul like this, but Starry does it with optimism for the future rather than wallowing in the past." In 2024, Starry completed a Master’s Degree in Record Production, further expanding her creative and technical skillset. Her continued evolution as an artist has now led to two 2025 Josie Music Award nominations — Vocalist of the Year (Country Female) and Original Song of the Year for "Say Goodbye", co-written with her daughter, Chloe King. The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in November 2025. Looking ahead, Starry’s journey is far from over. With her album, "Ask No Questions", released in 2023 and a brand new album slated for early 2027 — featuring collaborations with major names from Nashville and Sweden — a fusion of blues rock Americana tracks, she continues to inspire, uplift, and captivate audiences with her soulful voice and heartfelt songs. Heading to the Grand Ole Opry Nashville Tennessee in September 2026 to The Josie Music Awards, where she is nominated for four awards this is bound to bring her much success! Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose — and as she says herself: “Music saved my life. Now it’s my turn to give back”

London, ENG