Ray Stevens

Ray Stevens is one of the most individualistic – and talented – of all Country music stars. Born Harold Ray Ragsdale, Ray Stevens was still a student at Georgia State University when he had his first major recording deal with Mercury Records. He soon had a pop chart record – and one of the longest hit titles ever – with "Jeremiah Peabody's Poly Unsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant Tasting Green And Purple Pills." Ray Stevens became a master of the novelty hit, scoring big even during times when novelties were a hard sell on radio. His hits included "Ahab The Arab," "Guitarzan," "The Streak," "Shriner's Convention," and the touching, non-novelty "Everything Is Beautiful." Many of his records were bigger pop hits than Country hits. Ray Stevens eventually settled down as a Country artist. More than Country or pop though, Ray is Ray, a one of a kind.