Collin Raye was in Phoenix signing autographs and giving away free CDs. So I dragged my family out on a Saturday morning to wait in line for 2 hours. Collin did a podcast interview with local DJ celebrities Tim & Willy. He also sang a few songs, much to the delight of his adoring fans. You can hear this podcast on April 15 at TimandWilly.com. The best was yet to come for this fan.
After waiting for so long my 4-year-old son was a little antsy. He refused to take a picture with Collin Raye. Collin laughed and stole my heart with his comment to the person sitting next to him. Collin looked at my son and said, “Look at him, he’s the cutest thing in here.” He sealed the deal by giving me a hug and kiss after he autographed my CD.
Collin Raye has 5 platinum albums, 25 top ten hits, 15 number one hits and 12 chart topping videos. He has just released a new CD called Collin Raye Selected Hits. This CD includes 2 new songs plus 4 of his most requested greatest hits live. It also includes a personal message from Collin Raye. I was one of the lucky 200 fans given a free autographed copy of the CD when Collin was in Phoenix. This CD was a welcome addition to my collection. Even if it wasn’t free, it would have been well worth the $10 price tag.
The first song “A Soldier’s Prayer” is a song of faith. The chorus begins with “Hope is in Heaven, not far away. Just close your eyes. He hears what you say.” It ends with “Deep in the heart of a war, He hears a Soldier’s Prayer.” This is a song for all the men and women in the service making daily sacrifices to keep us safe. The net proceeds from “A Soldier’s Prayer” will go to The Wounded Warrior Project which helps assist those service men and women hurt in the war on terrorism. You can also go to www.wounded warriorproject.orgto make a donation.
I challenge you to listen to the next song “Quitters” and not feel inspired. It tells the tale of a boy in a wheelchair who is determined to walk someday. The best line in the song is “The doctors say no way he’ll walk, but he just smiles and says I’m gonna prove you wrong.” Collin Raye captures the determination and hope of this song perfectly. The Video is just as inspirational. I find myself playing this one over and over.
The next four songs are live versions of his biggest hits. “That’s My Story (And I’m Sticking To It)” tells the tale of a husband caught in a little white lie. It’s a fun song that leaves you smiling. On the live version the crowd sounds like it is having one big party with Collin Raye.
“Little Rock” is about an alcoholic who is struggling to beat his addiction and get his wife and family back. It’s hard to believe this is live because the crowd is completely silent while Collin sings. However, they erupt in thunderous applause as the last note rings in the air. Collin mentions that this is his favorite song that he has recorded and never tires of singing it.
“I Think About You” is a song every man should hear. Collin sings about seeing women abandoned, abused and objectified and thinking of his little girl. How every woman used to be somebody’s little girl. It is about a parent who worries about his little girl and hopes for the best for her.
“Love Me” is the final song. This is Collin’s first hit and is his signature song. This is the one Collin Raye sings at the end of all his concerts. It is a sad love song. It is about a love letter from his grandma to his grandpa simply signed “Love me”. It begins with the tale of their young love. It ends with one saying goodbye as the other passes away. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. The live version is even more touching than the original.
When Collin Raye sang live at the signing party and on the CD he sounds the same as his studio CDs. There is no studio altering of his voice. He has the voice of an angel and a gift from God. Collin also has a heart of gold.
Collin Raye was in town for annual Muhammed Ali Fight Night which raises money for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, in Phoenix, Arizona. Collin also has supported several charities throughout his career. They include Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness National Initiative, Easter Seals and Make a Difference Day. His tireless charity work earned him a Humanitarian of the Year award in 2001 by the Country Radio Seminar.
Sometimes when you meet a famous person you are disappointed. They may not sound the same live. They might be a jerk in real life. Collin Raye however lived up to his nice guy image. He was polite to everyone he saw. He signed autographs for hours. He sang just as beautifully live as he does on his CDs. What more could you ask for- except maybe another kiss.
