r e v i e w s f r o m f a n s
from parents & kids, sent to mr. RAY...
Hi Mr Ray-
My name is Tyler and I am a huge fan - I have both of your CDs.
Can you please tell me if those
are stickers on your guitar, or is it paint?
Thanks.
Tyler P
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MR. RAY,
AS A MOM OF THREE BOYS WE LOVE YOUR MUSIC!!! IT,S BRIGHT, FUN, ENTHUSASTIC
AND
JUST PUTS US IN THE BEST MOOD EVERYTIME IT'S ON. THANK YOU FOR MAKING FUN MUSIC THAT MY WHOLE FAMILY ENJOYS.
I ALWAYS THINK OF YOU WHEN ALL FIVE OF US ARE IN THE CAR AND SINGING LOUD AND GLORIOUS AND
JUST HAVING THE BEST TIME TO YOUR MUSIC. I AM SO THANKFUL TO FIND ROCK INSPIRED CHILDREN'S MUSIC
TO INTRODUCE TO THEM!! THANKS AGAIN AND KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST!!! CAN'T WAIT TILL ALBUM #3 IS OUT!!
LINDA W
P.S. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF COMMING TO THE WEST COAST FOR A CONCERT??
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You are the ElvisCostello for kids. You are our hero. Finally decent kids music!!!!! Thank you Mr. Ray!
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Way to Go, Mr. Ray! You are next at the top in our house, right on up there with Santa Claus...................
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Hi there,
Just wanted to say thank you for all that you do for all of our children, and
for us. My boys (now 10 1/2 and 7), my husband, and I were
introduced to you and your work back in 1999 when Evan, our oldest son, was a
student in Vanessa Jones' Kindergarten class at the Charter
School. We were all immediately hooked. We of course purchased your CD (and
subsequently several more as gifts over the years). We have seen
you around school and Discovery House and used to listen daily to "Start
Dreaming". We drifted away from it for some reason, and this morning on
our way to school, I was feeling the low energy of the traffic (we have quite a
commute from New Brunswick to Bridgewater) and the rain, and my
Evan and Reed were feeling it, too. I popped your CD in and we jammed and
laughed and sang, and it totally turned our moods around.
Thank you. I know we will never
grow out of Mr. Ray :-)
My best to you and yours,
Patricia Hardwick
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Dear Ray,
It’s just about 10:00 PM,
and the kids are in bed. We went to see you tonight at Forrestal as we often do.
We brought some new friends with us to introduce them to your magic. My son Gregory sang tonight –
and thank you so much for following through and choosing him to sing a solo with you.. His brother got a turn some time ago,
and he has been anxiously awaiting his turn.
He sang “Oh Beautiful” as he calls it, and it reduced me and his Dad to tears.
It was a most precious moment we’ll
never forget, and it meant more than you can
know.
I just wanted to thank you for the gift of your music, your connection with the
children, and your connection with the adults.
We enjoy your music and your presence every bit as much as the kids do, and in such a different way.
You are special. We wish for you and your wife all the best in life and that your kindness and compassion
brings joy and love and goodness
to you one hundred fold…
Peace and love
Stephanie, Joe, Greg and Jon
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mr. Ray,
I just want to thank you for all the joy your music brings to Matthew. It may
sound silly but Matthew
finds confort when listening to your music that was so hard for him to find for so long.
I have watched a special needs little boy with a really rough start come a long way, and you and your music have
to take a little special credit
for that.
Thank You so much! Matthew loves you!
See you soon at your next concert near by.
Megan
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My daughter and her pre-school
class sang your song "Flower Power" at their graduation ceremony last year.
There was not a dry eye in the place. The song is beautiful & when I listen to it today, I can't help but get sentimental. You're a true talent!
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Dear Mr. Ray,
Hi, Mr. Ray. My name is Kevin Sperling and I used to be a student of
yours at Kiddie Academy in
North Brunswick, New Jersey 7 years ago. I am in the 6th grade. I heard that you are going to be performing at the
South Brunswick High School on January 29th. I will be supporting you there. Your website is cool and your music rocks! Good luck!
From a fan, Kevin S
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I want to thank you for all of your musical influence. Amy will be starting piano soon.
I know a lot of her musical
interests come from your visits to the day care center.
Take care!!
Michelle
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Hi. Just wanted to let you know that we were in St Thomas on vacation last week, and had booked a boat excursion.
After the excursion, we got on a bus, and the guy behind me asks his daughter about her favorite animal ….
and she said “ Zibby” He started humming Zibby the Zebra. We started talking about Mr Ray, and the new album.
He said that your sister is his daughters school teacher. When we got back on the cruise ship, a woman approached me,
and asked me when the new album came out, and how she could get one (she overheard me talking to the guy on the bus). I directed her to your website.
It’s amazing though….even in St Thomas….people are talking about Mr Ray!
Hope all is well
Liz D
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Comment: We first saw Mr. Ray in January '05 @ the St. James Church in Basking Ridge
(organized by the Junior Woman's Club of Somerset Hills), and ever since, my two-year old has been hooked. He demands
to listen to Mr. Ray ALL DAY long and already knows all the words to most of the songs on Start Dreaming (me too)!
We love it! Thank you so much;
these great songs have brought us a lot of joy! Keep it up!
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Dear Ray, This is Eric's Mom. I just wanted you to know that Eric asked me on Sunday if he could be two things when he grew up.
I told him yes, he could and asked what it was he wanted to be? He said, "A scientist and a guitar player that sings songs for kids!"
Also, everytime we get in the car now he says "Okay, Mom, which Mr. Ray song should we sing?"
Must be great to know you have such a positive influence over kids!!
Both my husband and I are very impressed with your first CD. Very nicely produced.
We loved the inclusion of the 'kid's chorus'. We're looking forward to hearing the new one.
Sincerely,
Nia B
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Mr. Ray,
My name is Stephanie Harle and I am a teacher of 3-6 year old children at
Princeton Montessori School. Every year our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
perform an opera at Kelsey Theater. The kindergarten children sing a song
(sort of an opening act) followed by the 1st and 2nd graders (a second
opening act) and then the opera is performed. The opera itself is not
related to these opening acts, our goal is to give the younger children a
stage experience. I have your CD from a birthday party my son was invited
to 2 years ago. I played it for my co- workers and they loved it. We
would like our kindergarten children to sing your song "Roy G. Biv." Would
it be possible for you to fax or e-mail the sheet music to me? The opera is
at the end of January so we would need to start practicing soon.
Thank you so much for your great songs and helping us to help our children shine
that night.
Hope to hear from you soon!!
Stephanie H
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Just as a little after thought, I wanted to let you know that my daughter Molly has Select Mutism,
it is a speech and Anxiety problem. She does not talk, she says just a few words and one of the most prevalent
is that she sings "Flower power". She does not sing the whole song, but she sings just those words.
I would like to thank you for, as
you have made a huge impact on her. And it is music to my ears, literally, just
to hear her say a few words!
Thanks-
Melissa
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Ray
I met you at Will G’s birthday party in Bernardville, New Jersey
We both shared the confusion over your compression/clipping problem with your
guitar
I felt the need to write and tell you that my daughter Maya is addicted to your
music. Before we put on your cds, she sets
herself up on the sofa and focuses on the music. In fact, whenever I play the piano, I must play
Roy G Biv first so that she can
sing it.
Your music could very easily be for adults assuming the lyrics were changed a
bit (who knows maybe these were melodies
you wrote before Mr. Ray was born.
I’m glad I met you. Good luck with your baby daughter. Do you know any good
children’s music for her?
Steven B
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I took my four year old nice to see you in Keansburg.
She enjoyed it so much I got tickets for
your show at the Forum Theatre (she so excited because we are in the second row.)
When we got home from your concert in
Keansburg she would not let the postcard or tape you signed for her go, she even slept with the postcard that night.
I never thought that she would be a groupie at this age!!!!
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MR. RAY,
MY NAME IS SHERI PILLAR AND YOU HAVE BECOME A BIG PART OF MY SON NICHOLAS'
MUSIC.
WE FIRST HEARD OF YOU THROUGH HIS SCHOOL IN SAYREVILLE. ONE OF THE MOM'S IN MY SONS CLASS WORKS
IN A DAY CARE CENTER AND YOU HAVE
PERFORMED THERE.
WE WENT TO YOUR SHOW IN METUCHEN AT THE FORUM AND WENT TO SEE YOU JULY 3RD IN
MILLTOWN.
YOU PUT ON A FANTASTIC SHOW. BOTH MY BOYS MET YOU AFTERWARDS AND YOU GAVE THEM BOTH YOUR
AUTOGRAPH, YOUR TIME AND TOOK A PICTURE WITH THEM. THANK YOU. MY OLDER SON MICHAEL
WHO WILL BE 11 IN SEPTEMBER THINKS
YOU'RE COOL TOO.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND I AM GLAD YOUR DREAMS CAME TRUE. YOU HAVE TERRIFIC
SONGS AND
I CANNOT WAIT TO GET YOUR NEW CD IN OCTOBER. THANK YOU FOR THE EMAILS FOR ALL YOUR SHOWS.
WE WILL BE SEEING YOU AS SOON AS YOU ARE IN OUR AREA AGAIN. I AM GOING TO SPEAK TO THE PRINCIPAL
AT TRUMAN AND SEE IF SHE CAN ARRANGE TO HAVE YOU FOR AN ASSEMBLY FOR THE KIDS. IT IS GREAT
TO SEE THERE ARE STILL SOME GENUINE GOOD THINGS FOR THE KIDS TO SEE. IN THESE DAYS
THERE IS NOT MUCH OF ANYTHING THAT
DOES NOT INCLUDE VIOLENCE, SEX AND VULGARITY.
YOU ARE GOING TO THE TOP. WE ALL LOVE YOU AND YOUR MUSIC!! ALSO YOUR STAFF IS
WONDERFUL TOO.
THANKS FOR THE GREAT SHOWS AND INSPIRATION.
SHERI PILLAR
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Mr. Ray,
I have a soon to be 2 year old son and a soon to be 4 year old son who love you
and want to be rock stars when they grow up.
The boys even have guitars and drums that they love to play and they even want to make a rock video! My husband
and I think it’s great and that the video will be perfect years from now when VH1 does the behind the music of the DiGioia boys.
In the world we live in today it is not easy to find good role models for our
children; I am so glad they have chosen
you to be one of them. You encourage children to love and respect one another and you inspire children to dream.
A mom can’t ask for a better
role model than that!
Thank You!
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Mr. Ray:
Congrats on your success - you deserve it.
Thought you'd like to know, my usually shy 4 year old
boy sits on the couch every day and listens to your
album - the whole thing. Recently, he put on a Mr.Ray concert for our friends.
He even keeps the beat with his leg like you
do when you play the guitar.
Even my precocious 9 1/2 year old girl thinks your
cool.
Have a nice summer.
The Bryen Family
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Congratulations to Mr. Ray on the release of "Start Dreaming"
"Start Dreaming" captures the wonder and innocence of childhood in twelve rockin', acoustic-based pop songs.
With kind, heartfelt lyrics that warm you up like a pair of fuzzy slippers and a mug of hot chocolate,
Mr. Ray conjures a magical mystery world of rainbows, dinosaurs, friendly spacemen, creepy crawlers,
boo-boo's, basketballs, zebras, and starlight angels.
The songs feature gorgeous Abbey Road melodies and hook-filled choruses that will instantly find a
home in your head and heart and have you singing along, even after you've taken the CD off.
"Start Dreaming" is a gem from start to finish. Listen to it and smile.
(Did I mention that kids love it too?)
All the best,
Dan, Susan, Elana (6), and David (4) from Highland Park NJ
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Mr. Ray:
My son who is 3 1/2 totally adores you and mimicks everything that you do.
He attends the Kiddie Academy in
East Brunswick, and after you come to sing to them, he comes
home and grabs his guitar and does everything that you did that day. So I want
to Thank
You again for the information on Dana, and for you, just
being you. Your a great inspiration to our kids, who are the little ones of the
future,
and to the parents who wish
everyone was a good and caring as you.
I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season. And I look
forward to attending your show at The Forum this Sunday.
Take good care,
Nancy H
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Mr. Ray is a refreshing inspiration and is
welcomed into my kids music world anytime. My 5 year old daughter sings all
his songs and my 14 month old son bops his head along to Mr. Ray's
songs.......I even find myself singing Mr. Ray's catchy tunes. I want to
thank you Mr. Ray for being a great role model for today's kids who are
growing up in a world of turmoil and conflict. Your uplifting and conflict
resoluting songs will impact the lives of my kids and many others who have
the joy of listening to your music. I wish you much continuted success and I
have no doubt you will do well and reach an even larger audience shortly.
Thanks again.......keep playing music, and rock on!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Risa C
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Hi
Ray,
I have a great story to share with you which you'll like. I picked up my
sisters kids last week to take them to the beach.
They're in my car and see my Mr. Ray CD which has been a regular staple of my driving CD stock since you
gave me the CD at your Release party. They (my niece 10 and nephew 8) see your CD and they not only
do they recognize your record company label (since when do little kids pay attention to THAT stuff?) and rave about your label
(I feel ignorant; do I even know BB King's record label?), but they recognize more than 1/2 of the songs on your CD.
Ooooooh Aunt Scarlett. You have Mr. Ray? they said. Play Track 7. Now Play Track 4. Now play Track 3.
And this went on with them singing the words to all the songs blasting the CD through the poorest
neighborhoods of Asbury Park like we were pumping Puff Daddy or one of those new hot girl groups --
it didn't stop until we'd listened to the entire CD. Then they told me that one of their teachers
had put on a program at the end of the school year where some of your songs were featured in the
end-of-school-year production in Mikey's class,
as DeJa explained. It was truly wonderful. Telling them that I knew you
and that you and your wife are friends
of
mine suddenly made "Aunt Scarlett even cooler".
Wow!! They said. Thanks Ray."
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Dear Mr. Ray,
My son, Jacob, though just two in November, is a HUGE Mr. Ray fan!! (So are his
parents.)
He knows EVERY word to every song on the "Start Dreaming" CD. It is totally amazing to see this little
two year old kid sing all the songs and dance to this wonderful music. The other day someone asked him
if he liked music; he answered with, "music's a language we all understand".
Needless to say, the person almost dropped.
We have him singing your songs on videotape if you want to see him.
Your music has brought so much joy to Jacob's life that he would love to be a
part of this in any way.
Also, please let me know if there is anything we can do to help promote Mr. Ray
in LA.
Good luck! Hilary G
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Mr. Ray,
Recently came across your CD while roaming through Amazon.com and bought it for my two daughters
(8yrs and 3mnts respectively). They absolutely love it and so do we! Your music is absolutely great!!!
My older daughter has been an avid Raffi fan for years, but she says you are her favorite now!
As you know kids will play the same CD endlessly (especially in the car) and I have to say that even after
multiple playings we adults are both still delighted to hear each song. Our baby daughter has just started
laughing and trying to sing along with music...the first song she has sung with is "I'm a Little Flower".
Hence, she now has her Little Flower hat! (see attachment)
Thank you very much for your work. It is absolutely fantastic. Please keep it going, there are millions
of kids out there who do or will love your music. Certainly all our friends know of you now!
Our thanks,
The Sherrard/Newton Family
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Comment: Dear Mr. Ray,
Thank you for all your great music. You really captivate the children with your
imaginative songs.
It is a so enjoyable to watch their little faces at your shows and the way they relate to your music.
My daughter and I have especially
liked the shows at Forrestal. Again, our heartfelt thanks!
Susan M
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Dear Mr. Ray:
We saw your performance this past Sat. at the Governor's Inaugural party. You may recall our son,
he was the "Fire Chief" who walked up on the stage by himself!
I did a search on the Internet & came up with your site (great design by the way). I am thrilled to have found
that you will be performing at the Forrestal Village, we will try to come & see your show. Your music is great
& so are your lyrics. It's wonderful that you have done this for children.
We moved to NJ just over a year ago from NYC. Our son was always exposed to all kinds of music on the
street, the concerts at Central Park or Lincoln Center. Here in NJ, it's a bit lacking & I have to seek out
cultural activities a bit more than just going "down the block".
Three cheers for you & your music.
Is Uncle Plinky a cat?"
Best wishes from your new fans, The M Family
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Mr. Ray...My son Brian (soon to be 4) attends the Kiddie Academy in Hillsborough. I was wondering
when you might be playing there again...He certainly digs your music and says that you haven't been
around lately.We have your cd which is constantly played. So much that I have Kalien the Alien memorized
(as well as a couple others). It is a requirement that I sing along too, and provide cues like "sing it louder
space cadets!"If you ever need a drummer for a Kiddie Academy appearance, I would be glad to lay down
a beat.Your disc is really great for kids and you've done a great job producing it. Although I didn't get the
chance to say hello last June, you did a great job with the graduation ceremony. Good luck and keep writing. Dave...
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Dear
Ray,
Thanks so much for your excellent presentation here at the East Brunswick
Public Library on Sunday, January 21. I've never before seen a performer
who can completely captivate a child and adult audience the way you did.
You seem to know exactly what children and adults both need from a performer
and then walk this fine line with perfect balance.
Your warmth with the children, coupled with the topics of your entirely
enjoyable and listenable tunes, really made your concert come alive. Your
use of audience participation and humor involved everyone in the room - kids
and adults, alike - as both performers and proud, laughing on-lookers. It
was clear to me from the giggles, singing-along, dancing, and non-stop
smiles that everyone delighted in your performance, and that's not to
mention the comments I heard afterward.
We
definitely look forward to inviting you back!
Thanks again for such a great time!
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Youth Services Librarian
East Brunswick Public Library
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Dear Sugar Beats:
Thank you for sending mr. RAY to perform
at the Children's Museum of Manhattan on Saturday February 2nd, 2002.
His program of original and familiar interactive songs was a delight to the
families in the audience. It was fun to watch the children and their parents "rocking along"
to mr. RAY's music! Please pass along our sincerest appreciation to mr. RAY
for his addition to our Children's Museum of Manhattan visitors' experience.
Thanks again,
Margaret Wages
Performing Arts Coordinator
Children's Museum of Manhattan NYC
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Dear mr. RAY...
Thanks for doing a great job and playing at our store.
Everyone loves you -- customers & employees, too!
Thanks,
Ann E./Community Relations Mgr.
Barnes & Noble, North Brunswick NJ
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Comment: My "almost" 5 year old daughter and my husband caught the
Mr. Ray show in Mendham, NJ (Hilltop Nursery School). My daughter Brooke got to step up to the mic,
and sing Twinkle, Twinkle - she will never be the same! I don't know who had more fun my daughter or husband!
In fact, at a Middle School Basketball Game soon after Mr. Ray's performance the Dad's were raving about this show.
Sorry I missed it. Catch you next
year.
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Hi Mr. Ray,
My name is Emma and I am 10 and my sister is Taylin and she is three. When you sang at Yellow Brick Road,
we really loved it, We always sing your songs. My mom likes us to listen to your music, because she likes it too,
It is not babyish, just cool. Every time after it rains we look for ROY G BIV. Thanks, Emma
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Mr. Ray,
This is your "old" kid fan........I just got back from Barnes & Noble in North Brunswick and enjoyed your
performance there sooooooo much! :-) You are the "Elvis" and "The Boss" to our children.
What a delightful message you send out to them in your music! We need that so desperately in todays world.
I really liked your "new" song about RESPECT.
Keep up the good work and I wish you much success in the future.
Michael's Grammy
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Dear Mr. RAY.
Hi there,My son Ryan (Kiddie Academy - North Brunswick) now idolizes you (it's amazing how things can change in a year.
He went from being afraid of you to pretending to be you). You are such a large influence in his life.
There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't pretend to be you. He carries his guitar in his gig bag on his
shoulder and has a "songbook" that he carries. He comes into the room and says, "Hey guys, what's up?",
and then proceeds to set up his gear and begins to play. I have to capture this on video tape because it is
just too funny (and cool too). I also understand that they are calling him Mr. Ray Jr. in school now.
I wonder what he does in the classroom that earns him this moniker?? Well, between you and my
husband, Steven, I am confident that Ryan will certainly be a musician of some sort. He loves to sing and play his guitar.
Maureen
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Dear Mr. Ray:
Thank you so much for just being you. For Christmas I bought my grandsons two of your CD's and your video.
My 2 year old grandson Jacob constantly walks around singing I know a Boy named (I think he is saying Boy G Bib), but whatever it is it is so so cute.
They listen to your songs on the way to daycare and back every day.
Well this Friday, I am taking them to see you at Forrestal in Princeton.
I can't wait to meet such a wonderful role model for my grandsons.
There are not many role models around for young children and Thank God for you.
Thanks again,
Fran F
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Just
have to share--one night last week, we took the kids out to dinner. Out of
the clear blue, Nicole starts singing "Roy G. Biv"--words as clear as
crystal.
Then, I sang the first line of several other of your songs and guess what?
She
knew all of them and was able to continue with the words for each I began!
I'm sure it's no surprise since they play it at her pre-school all the time and
we play it
at home, but I am sure it never gets boring for you to hear the impact you have on our children.
Our best always,
The Girardis
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Dear Mr. Ray
My 4 yr old son, Marc, first saw you perform last year. He loved you right then
and there and we bought your CD on the spot. We listen to the songs every day...
it's actually his bedtime music. He knows every word. We just recently saw you perform
again at a friend's birthday party in Aberdeen, NJ. We just wanted to thank you for making
such great music that both kids and parents love. You're the coolest!
Best regards
Kristen Rabourdin PS - When is the next CD coming out?
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Dear
Mr. Ray,
Thank you so much for visiting my class at the Goddard School in
Hillsborough. My kids have done nothing but talk about how much fun they
had. Just seeing the smiles on their faces along with your enthusiasm for
teaching children the love of music made me clear why I became teacher. We
look forward to hearing from you again...
With Many Thanks,
Kerri Walsh
The Goddard School
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Dear
Mr. Ray,
Just a quick letter to say THANK YOU for such a wonderful show. The
children absolutely loved you. I overheard one child tell his dad as he
was walking out the door to go home, "Daddy this really cool guy came
today and he sang all kinds of neat songs." You made quite an
impression on my kids. I look forward to having you come again in the
near future. Once again THANK YOU!!!!!!
Kelly Schwing
Assistant Director/Goddard School
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Mr
Ray:
Just wanted to say my 7 year old son and I love you! You are so
entertaining for parents and kids. You are great with he kids and
motivate them and make them laugh. You teach good clean fun and
values. My sons first grade class sang "when I grow up" in the
school
talent show as his teacher has been a fan of yours for years for your
"adult" music. Now we are followers. We have your CD and
play it all
the time! We saw you at Family night and today went to see you at
Discovery House. You are so awesome! Your music brings out the best in
kids and teaches a message and is entertaining for parents too. My son
is so shy and today at the discovery House he got up and sang a solo on
mike. I was amazed. You just make kids want to try. he never
dances
either and at your concerts he is up and jumping around! Thank you for
being an inspiration to kids and alot of fun for us parents too! Can't
wait for another CD. You are the best thing that ever happened to
family entertainment.
Christine and Brandon
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Dear mr. RAY,
This letter is sent to thank you for your outstanding performance!
In addition, we appreciated your co-operation all throughout the preparations for the performance.
It was a pleasure to work with you. Our audience, as well as staff, thoroughly enjoyed your event,
and we look forward to working with you again in the future.
All the Best,
Dana Harris
ArtsConnection NYC
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Mr.
Ray,
Just to let you know the impact your music has
had on him, in Garrett's own words, "Mr. Ray is a much better singer than Raffi, Peter Paul & Mary and
even Jimmy Buffett!" You have no idea what a huge accomplishment that is. Garrett has requested that
we buy him a new guitar so he can cover it with stickers just like yours. We listen to your CD so often
that
even 16-month old Emery sings along and can anticipate the next song before it
plays.
Speak to you soon.
Sharon
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Mr. Ray,
Well last night we premiered your new CD. One word-EXCELLENT!!! It was
worth the wait. As we all were listening, "Flower Power" came on and I
looked at my daughter (who is 8 now) and remembered when she was just 4 years old
and performing that song.
I have to tell you that it brought tears to my eyes. And my son was just singing and dancing all over the house.
We wish you all the best. Every parent should have this CD!!
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mr. RAY,
I have been wanting to let you know that my 2 older kids love your Start Dreaming CD. We've been
listening to it for 2 years now (my son went to preschool with Mylene Ouimette's daughter -
forgive me if I've misspelled her name) and we're still going strong (#3 kid is starting to bop in
time when the CD is on, too!) We've seen you live twice and my kids can't stop asking about when you might be back
(although they clam up like crazy when they actually *see* you - LOL)
I hope that you think that this is funny.....my husband is a basketball coach, so the kids both
know that daddy's favorite song is Swish. My just-turned-3-year-old is a little confused about
the lyrics though. He thinks that is goes.."jump up, shoot the ball, get it in that magic poop".
I have tried and tried to explain the it is "magic *hoop*" but he just doesn't believe me.
Did I mention that we are trying to potty train him?!
I wish you much continued success - and hope to see you again soon (are you heading back to MD anytime soon?!)
Sally, Robert (just turned 6), William (just turned 3) and Michael (14 months) - all die hard mr. RAY fans!
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Hi Ray, We took your CD on vacation with us to Florida and the extended family wants to know where
in that area they can buy it. The parents learned the lyrics almost as quickly as Steve and I did.
Your CD has earned a permanent place in the
10 disc rotation in our house(it's the only one Steve doesn't change).
The kids love the fact that we know the songs
almost as well as they do. You won't remember our names, so I will sign off as...
Katie and Stephen Parents..."
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We have been intending to email you a note about the CD. The boys go to sleep listening to it,
"jam" with their toy guitars dancing around the dining room to it, and won't listen to anything
else in the car. Scott my husband) says the songs run through his head all day.
Better than Barney!
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Hi Mr. Ray,
Love your music! I'm a first grade teacher. This week we were reading a book about colors
and your song ROY G BIV came in very handy.
The kids really enjoyed it. Where can I buy your CD?
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I have to say I am very
impressed...
A girlfriend of mine invited me and my 16 month old son to your performance over
the weekend in Mendham...
Although he was a little intimidated by his surroundings (I guess it's common for his age), I enjoyed singing along to
"Yellow Submarine" and dance around with him to all the songs. I come from a musical background
and try to enrich my son as much as possible.
I think it is very encouraging to know that there are people out there who genuinely care about the
kids and not just some commercial gimmick to make $.
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mr RAY:
We wanted to thank you for making Elizabeth & Erin's Birthday Party such a success!
Everyone loved your show. Erin (who is only 2) has to listen to your CD constantly.
She can barely talk....but she can say.."I know a boy named roygbiv" and "mrRAY"!!
We've listened to the CD so many times, I've even heard Grandpa (Brush) singing the songs to himself!!
Thanks again for putting on such a great show, and for putting out a children's CD that parents
(and grandparents) enjoy as much as the kids!
Liz & family
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Mr.
Ray, Thanks for the quick delivery on the CD. The kids are
nuts about it! I didn't really have a good sense for what good you had done
for them at their Pre-School until I was giving them a bath yesterday morning.
I mentioned that we had a CD of yours and they immediately started singing
your songs in the tub. So I went downstairs to put it on loud enough so
they could hear and they just loved it. After the bath, they went into the
living room to dance and listen. I tried to put the volume back down but
my boy insisted that it remain "big". They listened to it three times
yesterday and I had to put it onto a cassette so they could hear it in the
car today. There was also some skirmishing about the postcard with your
picture on it so I resorted to gluing your JPEG photos to some some stiff
paper (I got to bed late). They were just so animated about it that I
wanted to write and tell you how much they love you. I, too, am thankful
for the joy you have brought them...Regards, Roger
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Hi Mr. Ray,
Just wanted to let you know....
We were shopping at Toys R Us in Freehold on Friday night and guess what music was playing in the back round....YOURS!!!
The funny thing was Mike and I didn't notice it, Hilary our 3 1/2 year old did!!!
(She's the one from Hunter's B-day Party with
the "Flower Power" dress.)
She was sing in the cart the whole rest of the shopping trip!!
Just wanted to share that with you. :-)
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I have to tell you, my last week has been horrible. My father, in Boston,
is very ill and this has probably been the last time I will see him. I
helped to care for him (trying to be both nurse and daughter) for the week
and made some tough decisions with my younger brother about the care and
eventual fate of my father. Anyway, long story short...not a nice week and
I came home feeling drained, and very very old.
But this morning I have been playing your CD..I have played it over and
over to the point where I can sing along with some of the songs! It has
lifted my spirits beyond what you could imagine and has allowed me to be a
silly child again, even after such a week. I cannot wait for Annie to wake
up (my 4 year old) so I can share this CD with her. This will be her first
seeing me since I got home late last night...now she will see me smiling
and laughing, rather than feeling old and sad as I did last night. Your CD
helped make that possible. Thank you so very very much!!!
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Dear Mr. Ray,
Ashley and Justin love your "Start Dreaming". And, I started to think whom I
can buy your CDs for. That's how much I love it. I think all kids should
have your CD. Both the music and the lyrics are great. Ashley's favorite is
"Power Flower", Justin's is "I'd be a Dinosaur" and mine is "Roy G
Biv". Good luck with "Start Dreaming", and all the best wishes to you.
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Mr. Ray...we just got back home from your show. We finally have your CD. My son, just loves it! (and so do I ).
We have played it 4 times already tonight
and now he is going to sleep with it on. Thank you for letting him "sing"
Itsy Bitsy Spider tonight. It made his " most favorite thing ever " as he
says. After looking at your website I realized how I remember you, I used to go to the Stone Pony in the late 80's!
How ironic that I used to listen to
you and now my son does! Thank you so much for a wonderful and new sound in
kids music! We love you! (My son says you're his favorite!)
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mr. RAY, you are that unique link between Barney and the
whole Backstreet Boys/Britney phenomena! Finally something cool for pre-school kids...
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Hello Mr. Ray --My daughter attends
one of the Pre-Schools you play at, and loves you! I think
she got her "roar" from your dinosaur song. We just got your CD (the first
day they sold out before we could pick one up), and she recognized your
songs within the 1st three notes!
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dear
mr. ray,,
i love you and i miss you
i really want to see you soon
julia madden
Lovingly pecked by my 4 year old (with a little help)
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What have
you started? (LOL) Leeann came in from school tonight (bearing in
mind she is 16) shouting you have to copy me Rays CD onto tape, Mum, so I can
take into school! She had had physics today and found herself staring at a chart on the wall
of a prism, it showed the colours of the rainbow, in the middle of the lesson she shouted out Roy G
Biv,
it's Roy G Biv!!!!! She had to explain to her friends what she was ranting about, so now they all want to hear it.!
Now I totally understand -
"it's cool to listen to kids music again"! this music is so cool, it reaches the kid in us all. I've had it on again today
and now can't decide on my favourite! Love them all - as well as "I'd Be A Dinosaur" ,
can't stop singing," Kalien the Alien"
(love the voices -"sing a long space
kidettes"), and "Why Are There So Many Questions?"
Leeann is playing it again... her favourite is Roy G Biv!
I hope you will take this as a compliment when I say that I can hear the influence of The Beatles in there,
especially in "Flower Power"and "swish"...
-Anne from London England
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Hi Mr. Ray! It's us, Sheri and Carly Kandel (from Kiddie Academy).
We believe we'll be moving in early fall (most likely), but we will try to attend what we can of your shows.
I just HAD to tell you that Carly sings your entire repertoire form the first CD and even sings with your CD
while she turns on her own microphone. It is beautiful. Then my husband says he has you songs stuck in his head all day.
So,
know that you are a big part of our lives and, I believe, always will be.
Sincerely,
The Kandels
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We also agree. The CD is great and my friends have also purchased it (even though they didn't know you).
They are now big Mr. Ray fans. We loved the pics inside and have listened to the cd over and over and over.
We take it everywhere!!!
P.S. Your autograph is wearing off, since we have looked at the inside cover so much.
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Mr.
Ray, is there any chance on getting someone to make you a "Kalien
the Alien" doll for your merchandising? My 4 year old went to bed
tonight sobbing about how "she misses Kalien the Alien since he went
away" after listening to your song ? times. She asked if we
could get
her a doll of him for her to hold "until he comes back..." Any
chance?
Thanks,
Tabitha and Sabrina's mom, Marcia
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Hello Mr. Ray,
I had the opportunity to see you with my son and his class at the Goddard School in
Hillsborough a couple of weeks ago. You were so gracious to sign my son's (Aaron) CD.
Aaron and the rest of the kids adore you. They listen and sing your songs often.
It is great to have such a impression on the kids. I too, like your songs but mostly
because they have something to say and teach the kids.
Thank you for making a difference in our children's lives.
Sincerely, Rose
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Hi Mr. Ray: Emily and I enjoyed your show Friday night, but what I'm really writing about is the CD. I love it.
And that's after having listened to it @ least 24 times in the last 48 hours. Seriously, you did a great job on it.
The songs are wonderful, of course, including the couple I hadn't heard before
(the lullabye is beautiful - very John Lennon),
and the production values are great. Mark and I are both really impressed.
I know it's going to be a big hit. Anyway,
I just had to let you know how pleased we are with Start Dreaming --
it was well worth the wait.
Take care and best of luck with it- Jackie
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Mr.
Ray...my daughter's favorite song now is 'Boo-Boos Go Away'...I not only hear
her singing along, but singing it even when the CD is not playing. Quite a
feat for my little one as she appears to have some learning disabilities. I
knew she would just love this!
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Dear
Mr.Ray,
Hello!!!!My Brother and I love your songs.Even though I'm nine years old you could
never get old enough to stop listening to your songs.It was nice writing to you.
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Hi Mr Ray, Jessie and Michael love your CD. Jessie's listening
(and singing along, of course) to it for the 3rd time this afternoon.
She also told me she going to listen one more time tonight. Ric
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Mr. Ray, We received the CD's and were so excited!!! It is GREAT!!
We listened to the CD the first night and were very
impressed with the sound effects. Lauren took the CD to school the next day and played
it for her class. The pictures and the cover is beautiful. Lauren was so surprised and thrilled to be inside the cover.
Yesterday, I put the CD on and we rocked around the house for two hours. Thank you , Mr. Ray!! As a Mom it makes
me very happy that the music that Lauren enjoys is now available for her baby brother, Austin, to enjoy.
Thank you for the wonderful experience and music you have given to my children.
Your music will always have a place in our hearts and memories.
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Dear mr. Ray...
You
wouldn't believe the enjoyment and happiness that show on my boys faces when
they
sing your songs...That is priceless. I forgot to mention, when Keith was
around 6 months old and he was cranky in the car, I would put on the dinosaur
song, and he would stop crying and smile!!! True story. Happened
every
time. Bill couldn't believe it!
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Hey Mr. Ray what's up? My children attend Smarty Paints in Red Bank and we recently saw you there!
The show was awesome and the music was great! My dad was in from out of town and he even bought
a cd for my nephew! We listen to ours everyday! Thanks so much for the great music!!! As a parent I enjoy it too.
You let my son, Alex play the guitar which has been the highlight of the year for him. Please let us know
when the next cd or any other music you might be involved in hits the stores, we will buy it. I am also
interested in private parties, the kids love you and from what I can see the adults do too! Rock on Mr. Ray!!!!!
Chris, Alex and Danny
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Hi mr. RAY-
thought you might be glad to know that this evening at bedtime, I was asking my daughter some questions
(favorite color, favorite food, etc.) and when I asked her what her favorite song was she declared,
without hesitation...."ROY G.BIV" -- and then proceeded to sing almost the whole song for me!
I didn't even realize that she knew the lyrics! Thanks so much for giving her a song to call her favorite!
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Hi! We saw you at the last family night at the Princeton Forrestal Center. You are great! We bought the CD
and the whole family loves it. When we get in the car, our 2 1/2 year old twin daughters say, "Mr. Ray, Mr. Ray".
We would like a schedule of where you are going to be performing. Thanks!
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Mr.
Ray,
We love your music!! We sang your song, "When I Grow Up" for our
school
talent show. It was a lot of fun dressing up in costumes of what we want to be when we grow up.
We like to look at your website. Look for us (your fans) at our website!
From your friends in Miss Rodek's First Grade class
Monmouth Junction School
South Brunswick
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hey, Mr RAY, what do you say. how are you today? I really appreciate you coming back to the school to see the kids,
THEY REALLY LOVE YOUR CD & MISS YOU. I know my kids were talking about you all the way home.
They were even trying to see if you were in the speakers in daddy's truck, but to the surprise of especially KASSIDY,