He and his brother Leonard started a band way back in 1977, "The Diamond Ranch Hands." A name soon everyone all over the state would recognize. A band name that they had no intension on keeping. It was made up by their father just minutes before their very first award show. Ray Stafford and his band went home that day with a few unexpected awards. The Diamond Ranch Hands received The Most Promising Band. And Ray was presented with New-comer of the year.

Ray and his bands went on to be very active members of D.E.C.M.A. He always kept his band small, they were known as the three piece band that put out a big sound. At the time of all the awards in the bands life Ray couldn't have won any of them with out very important band members such as Dotty Farrell, Jim Bell Jr. and of course Steve Pratt. They all won award after award. Ray was fortunate enough to receive a 1982 Male Vocalist and also received I" place lead guitarist in 1985. He went on to be awarded with Entertainer of the Year and I" place gospel group of the year. In 1986 Ray was the very first to ever be awarded with the Yodeling Slim Clark award, presented by Slim himself. Also in 1986 he again received Male Vocalist and the band won more also, but once more Ray got another Entertainer of the Year. He was definitely blessed.

We all want to let Ray know, CONGRATULATIONS and keep on singing and playing. This is just a small part of what Ray has done, and this is how we found the Founders award to be presented to RAY this year. He is now still playing in dance halls and clubs but as a one man band, singing and playing to professional recorded music. He also has made two cds, one of Christmas music which you can find in stores around Dexter. Also still available for parties around Christmas.

P.S. Ray would like to say thanks to all that ever gave a listen, and also a special thank you to Ruth Denette former president of D.E.C.M.A.

Call Ray for bookings at 717-5478