MP3: Vicki Raye -- "Leaning on Grace"
Vickie Raye knocks down stereotypes and charms listeners.
The Puerto Rican-born, alternative country singer-songwriter just keeps it real on stage.
"People seem surprised when they look at me," said Raye, of Cooper City. "I know they're thinking, 'You sing country?' But then they hear my songs. I've been well-received. I feel blessed."
Her blend of soulful vocals, gritty lyrics and mesmerizing guitar fret work is showcased on the "Cigarettes & Circumstance" CD, which dropped in January.
Raye was raised on a multicultural soundtrack in Miami by her adopted parents, a Cuban mother and Minnesota-bred father.
"I grew up listening to everything from Patsy Cline to Eddie Santiago," said the self-described 30-something, tattooed, jeans-and-T-shirt kind of gal.
The road hasn't always been smooth. There were many twists and turns before she went country seven years ago.
She's dabbled in different genres, including Broadway show tunes. She's sung in a gospel choir and fronted a heavy metal band. Country stuck.
She stays busy crafting songs, for herself and other artists, while commuting between South Florida and Nashville, along with her husband and four children.
Raye will add her voice to the lineup of musicians at the Songwriter's Showcase at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Broward Center for the Performing Art's Abdo New River Room, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
For more information, call 954-522-5334, or go to vickieraye.com, myspace.com/chrystalhartigan or myspace.com/intheroundontheroad.
