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Home > Bishop's Dinner 2014 > Featured Guest
Bishop's Dinner Featured Guest
The Bishop's 21st Annual Catholic Pro-Life Dinner featured the musical performance and poignant pro-life story of multi-platinum and 10-time Vocalist-of-the-Year nominee Collin Raye.
All about Collin Raye
The sharp shadow of suffering has fallen across the life of Collin Raye in ways that would have felled lesser men. But, as the Bowie County hit-maker knows well, even the shadows are nothing without the Light. Through the astounding musical gift that earned him five Grammy nominations (and counting), Raye has a rare knack for transforming all that suffering into an experience of indescribable consolation. --Patrick Coffin, Radio Host, Catholic Answers
Legendary country artist Collin Raye was one of the true hit makers of the 1990’s and continues to produce soulful, heartfelt material with the honesty and richness that is signature to his vocals alone. With 24 top ten records, 16 #1 hits, and having been a 10-time Male Vocalist of the Year nominee, this truly electrifying performer of his era remains one of the great voices of our time.
Collin shot to fame with “Love, Me” in 1991. Listeners were so moved by his golden and pure voice that this song set the cornerstone for a career built on meaningful and emotional songs that have often been used for weddings, anniversaries, memorial services and funerals. When “Little Rock”, an anthem for those struggling with addiction recovery, hit the chart in 1994, its video led to over 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from folks seeking help in their addictions. “Not That Different” was a song that pleaded for tolerance. “In This Life” became a wedding favorite, and “I Think About You” won awards for its song and video which exposed the exploitation of women and children.
Collin Raye has consistently used his stardom to advance social causes. Among the organizations he has supported are the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network, for which he was the 2011 Spokesperson, as well as Boys Town, Special Olympics, Catholic Relief Services, Easter Seals and more. It came as no surprise when in 2001 at the Country Radio Seminar, Clint Black presented Collin Raye with the organization’s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of Collin’s issue-oriented music and his tireless charity work.
Collin Raye’s new outreach is very personal. In 2010, after the loss of his precious 10-year-old grandchild, Haley, Collin and his daughter Britanny (Haley’s mother) established The Haley Bell Blessed Chair Foundation to honor Haley's memory. The Foundation supports and assists families of the cognitively and physically disabled. Collin wrote a very special song for Haley, called “She’s With Me”, which carries a powerful message for families of special needs children. Additionally, in 2011 Collin released his first inspirational album, His Love Remains, which quickly rose to #1 on Amazon for inspirational and religious music.
Collin's autobiography, A Voice Undefeated, is set for release on April 1, 2014. He currently resides in Nashville, TN with his daughter Britanny and granddaughter Mattie.
