You will catch him with an orange apron in that big box on Old Fort Parkway with an ever-present smile and a head full of shaggy blond hair.
Danny Ray hails from Maryland, but for the past two years has called Murfreesboro home as he continues his education at MTSU in aeronautics. The guy knows a lot about engines, not only the ones that fly, but those on the ground as well. He has rebuilt the one in his own vehicle. If you see a dark brown/burgandy-colored 1974 Chevy van, honk. This guy will wave back.
Danny loves music and can burn a few guitar strings. His group, Gonzo, just finished its CD, and, as it turns out, it could be the finish of this incredible group of five, as each member recently went their own way into life. However, I want to see them back together soon, in Nashville, cutting a deal with a major record label. There are bands out there that have no business trying to get into the music industry, yet this one, who wants to separate, should be in the thick of things on Music Row. ##M:[readmore]##
To check out the band’s songs, visit myspace.com/gonzorocks.
Danny not only plays guitar, but also keyboards and drums. His favorite musicians are ones he believes are where they are because of talent and dedication. He listens to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, but also enjoys George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., and George Strait. Yet, Gonzo is a rock band. Goes to show, rockers believe in country music too. Both of his grandfathers were country and gospel musicians. He considers Nashvillian Stan Lassiter a hero and guitar legend and will soon be making a trip to see Stan in Hendersonville. In a day when many people Ray’s age think older people should have no part of their lives, he considers “older people” his road to success and fortune. “They have the experience, they have the wisdom. Why not listen?” he states.
This 6-footer with a soft voice and demeanor wrote the lyrics and music to most all the songs Gonzo does on stage. Yet his humbleness defies the rock sounds produced by this very talented group. Is his music a love, a passion, or just a hobby? Time will tell. If he and his group can get that promo pack in the hands of some of the power players on 16th Avenue, his work on planes and jets may just have to go from first class to cargo.
Danny turns 20 this month, young enough to start anywhere, but has the mindset of someone older, being multitalented in many facets of his life. His determination in placing his priorites in his life has made him mature, yet cautious. He does not smoke or do any drugs and states he is not a “sociable enough” person, although he is a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was on the dean’s list last semester, but has no ego or smugness about his abilities. Talent comes from within with practice, intelligence takes hard work with patience.
If he wants to, Danny can and will go far in the music industry, with or without his friends and fellow musicians in Gonzo. His gifts and talents are there without the alcohol or ego and success is his for the taking.
