It's been a year since country music legend Ray Price passed away and while he is no longer here on earth, Ray Price continues to leave a mark on the music scene, particularly with his latest album Beauty Is... We recently sat down with his widow Janie Price to discuss Beauty Is... and how much music meant to Ray Price and how he went about making his albums.
RoughStock: How Much did Ray love to make music?
Janie Price: Ray Price loved making his music and he was so meticulous going into the studio. He spent day to days to make sure the music was right. He always did what he did a concept album. He’d find the right song and build the albums around the songs.
RoughStock: Was Beauty Is a concept album?
Ray had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August of 2011 and they caught it during his gall bladder surgery. He was able to last 25 months with that. And what he wanted to most was to record a record for his fans, knowing he might not be here much longer.
RoughStock: What does it mean for you to see all of the accolades the album has received?
Janie: If only ray was here to see this. The success has told me that his fans have helped make the record what it is. I’m so excited. This was his dream, this was his baby. He planned on being here for this, bless his heart.
RoughStock: Quite a few younger fans have come around to enjoy Ray Price’s music as well…
Janie: Yeah, the parents and grand parents raised their children on the music of Ray Price and other traditional country stars. [Many] have said that they feel like Ray Price is a part of their family because of his music.
RoughStock: He was in a unique spot that nobody else filled in country music too so I’m sure there is meaning for them for him having Beauty Is... out, something he wanted out, not just an odds and ends collection…
Janie: Yes, this was his baby. He and Fred Foster worked really hard on making it. He started with the first song ("Beauty Lies In The Eyes Of The Beholder") and created the album around the love of two people who share the feeling, those lucky enough to have had that. When He chose “Beautiful Dreamer,” he said that he chose it because "love is timeless no matter when it happens."
RoughStock: Well, he certainly seems to have gotten it right with you, even if he had to go through two other relationships to get there…
Janie: Yes, he always said "I got it right." He told me, "I believe a man can die happy if he has done two things in his life,' and I Said what's that?" Ray said, "If he's got a good wife and if he's recognized by his peers in his profession."
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You can Buy Beauty Is... at iTunes, Amazon or at a local music store near you.
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