Bio

La’Ray McDaniel, a native of the Washington, DC area. She’s a gifted songstress and songwriter. She is truly an original with a powerful voice. She sings with an unapologetic passion and enthusiasm that leaves an impression on her audiences. Her performance reaches the core of every crowd, and touches the heart of every listener. She began singing at the age of 11. After performing in her 6th grade school talent show with an acappella version of “Greatest Love of All”, and receiving an overwhelming standing ovation from the audience, she then realized that she wanted to become a singer. She began singing in local showcases and community events showcasing her voice through R&B and Soul. La’Ray is so wonderfully talented that she has evolved from being just a singer/songwriter, to being a stylish, multi-genre songstress. Easily adapting to all of contemporary black music’s offerings, she has performed Jazz, Soul and R & B effortlessly in nightclubs, in the surrounding Washington Metropolitan Area. She has sung in local hot spots such as the Bohemian Caverns; Takoma Station; Westin Dinner Theater; BET Soundstage; Juste Lounge, Basin Street Club, and The Ascot Club.. She has appeared as a featured artist at Lincoln Theatre’s “Live at the Lincoln”; Howard University “Kemit Productions”; Baltimore Apollo Artist Showcase with Marlo Playwright Productions; Teddy Carpenter’s Comedy Club Artist Showcase; and Jokes on Us Artist Talent Showcase. She has performed with such local bands as Jazz Band “Spur of the Moment”, Go-Go Group “Mass Appeal” and Top 40’s Band “Que’N’A. However, the calling of Gospel continuously tugged at her heart and spirit. After becoming a member of Evangel Cathedral Church and seeing the movement of God in her life, she then realized that singing for the Lord was her heart’s desire. She wanted to share her testimonies with the world through song. Her musical influences include some other powerful performers Mahalia Jackson, Shirley Caesar, Mary Mary, and Aretha Franklin. The first single from her new CD project, which is currently in production, is entitled “From Heartaches to Healing” and is produced by B. Cook & Sunshine, who will be responsible for the production of her not yet titled album. The project will showcase the depth and flexibility of her abilities to a variety of styles including a twist of R & B, church, and soul. She will undoubtedly belt out her signature energetic powerhouse vocals in inspirational soul melodies and uplifting tempos. Her lyrics are filled with meaning and trueness of all the trials and victories that she has endured in her lifetime. Through her music listeners will hear her belt out inspirational soul melodies about her love for Christ, as well as uplifting tempos about her the victories she’s won. La’Ray is not only a talented singer/songwriter; she is also an amazing actress. She got her first major acting debut in 2005 in two stage musical productions, Evangel Cathedral’s “More Than Triumphant” and Champions LLC’s “So How Ya Livin Now”, where she held one of the top major lead roles as “Denise Washington”. As an actress, she has never received any formal actor’s training, but has made great impressions on directors, cast and crews and audiences with her dramatic and emotional filled monologues. La’Ray will definitely take the world by storm. Her talent as a vocalist & actress is definitely a must see.