Ray Boltz

Raymond Howard "Ray" Boltz (born June 14, 1953) is a singer and songwriter who first came to wide notice in contemporary Christian music. Many of his songs tell stories of faith and inspiration.

Ray Boltz
Born (1953-06-14) June 14, 1953
Muncie, Indiana, U.S.
GenresContemporary Christian
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, piano, guitar
Years active1986–2004, 2008–present
WebsiteRayBoltz.com

Background

Raised by his parents William and Ruth Boltz in Muncie, Indiana, Ray Boltz is the middle child of his parents' three children (a fourth child died shortly after birth).[1] Boltz was married to Carol (nee Brammer)[1] Boltz[2] for 33 years (1975-2008), and they have four children: Karen, Philip, Elizabeth and Sara.[1] Boltz graduated from Ball State University with a degree in business and marketing.[1]

Boltz was virtually unknown when he wrote "Thank You", which won the Song of the Year prize at the 1990 GMA Dove Awards.[3] His song "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" also won a Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year at the 25th GMA Dove Awards in 1994. After the release of Songs from the Potter's Field in 2002, and his last tour in 2004, Boltz retired from the music industry. He separated from his wife in 2005 before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with their divorce being finalized in early 2008.[1]

On Friday, September 12, 2008, during an interview with the Washington Blade, Boltz disclosed that he was gay.[4] Since then, Boltz has performed at several churches of the Metropolitan Community Church, a gay-affirming Christian denomination.[5]

In 2010, he released the album True, which won Album of the Year at the OUTMusic Awards.[2] Boltz currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his partner, who is also his talent agent.

Discography
  • 1986 Watch the Lamb
  • 1988 Thank You
  • 1989 The Altar
  • 1991 Another Child to Hold
  • 1992 Seasons Change
  • 1994 Allegiance
  • 1995 The Concert of a Lifetime (live, RIAA Gold)
  • 1996 No Greater Sacrifice
  • 1997 A Christmas Album: Bethlehem Star
  • 1998 Honor and Glory
  • 2000 The Classics
  • 2001 Concert of a Lifetime for Kids [live]
  • 2002 Songs from the Potter's Field
  • 2004 The Unchanging Story
  • 2010 True

Compilation albums
  • 1994 Moments for the Heart (RIAA Gold Certified)
  • 2001 Moments for the Heart, Vol. 1 & 2
  • 2010 All The Best

Charts
Year Album Chart Position
1995 The Concert of a Lifetime Billboard 200 194
1996 No Greater Sacrifice Billboard 200 173
1997 A Christmas Album: Bethlehem Star Billboard 200 169

Awards

Boltz has been the recipient of two song awards from the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards. "Thank You" received the 1990 Song of the Year award, and "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" received the 1994 award for Inspirational Song. He also was one of various artists contributing to God with Us: A Celebration of Christmas Carols & Classics, which won the 1997 award for Special Event Album.

References
  1. Jones, Kim. "The Ray Boltz Story". Learn Religions. Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  2. Freedman, Samuel G. (2010-05-14). "Christian Singer Resumes Career, Relieved of a Secret". The New York Times.
  3. "Thank You Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  4. DiGuglielmo, Joey (12 September 2008). "Key changes". Washington Blade. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
  5. Lopez, Rich (2009-09-10). "Ray of Light". Dallas Voice. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
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