Michael Raye

Personal Bio

Michael Raye, known artistically as SoulRaye, began his journey in music at the age of seven with his first piano recital. By fourteen, he was performing at Carnegie Hall with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of New York as a cellist. His passion for composition emerged in his early teen years. Michael graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano and pursued advanced studies in music composition at Indiana University. In 2016, he returned to education, completing a Master’s in Scoring for Film and Multimedia at NYU.

Musical Direction and Touring Career
As a Musical Director and Conductor, Michael has worked with notable artists including Gloria Gaynor, Suzette Charles, Bessye Scott, Keith David, and Little Anthony and the Imperials. His impressive touring career has taken him across the globe, where he has performed with artists such as Daryl Hall, Will Downing, Michael Bolton, Tom Browne, Deniece Williams, Phyllis Hyman, and Gloria Gaynor. Michael has also recorded with Richie Havens, John Blake, and Will Downing.

Broadway and Television
Michael has performed on Broadway, appearing in productions like Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk and It’s So Nice to Be Civilized. He has also made numerous television appearances, including performances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Friday Night Videos, Good Morning America, CBS Good Day America, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

For ABC Television, Michael also acted in the movie Double Platinum, starring Diana Ross and Brandy.

Composition for Film and Television
Michael’s talent extends to composing scores for films and television. In 2023 he was nominated again for best original score from the multi award winning film “Table for Two” and in 2021 he was nominated for best original score for the movie “After Saturn.” He produced the title song for the 1992 Sundance Film Festival Grand Prize winner Just Another Girl on the IRT and has worked on various industrial and corporate projects across the United States, Europe, and Canada. He has received several grants and commissions from dance companies such as the David Parsons Dance Company, National Ballet of Canada, Ballet Met, Michael Mao, and Carolyn Dorfman.

Solo Career and Recordings
As a solo artist, Michael has released singles, albums, and compositions that have captivated audiences worldwide. His singles No Love Intended and Black and White were released on Menu Records. His debut CD Due Lights was released on his own label HotLance Records, while his latest albums Mystic Gypsies, Underground Soul, and Twenty Years have been released on SoulRaye Records. His music is available for purchase on iTunes, CDBaby, and streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Live Productions and Reinvention
While living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Michael reinvented himself by creating extravagant shows for large hotels. These productions involved coordinating a team of 8 dancers, 4 aerialists, 4 musicians, and 5 singers, combining musical and visual elements into a spectacular performance.

Awards and Recognition
Michael was honored by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy with the award “Lifting the World with a Oneness Heart” for his song Beyond the Realm of Time.

Resume / CV