Ray Gleaves is a native of  Nashville, TN. Growing up, he always had a love for music. He would sing around the house, in the car, basically anywhere and everywhere he went.  In seventh grade, he became a member of his school’s Concert Choir which he remained a part of throughout middle school and high school. During his sophomore year of high school he also became a member of his school’s Show Choir, The Blue Notes, and began taking part in the school musicals. His first role was a member of the ensemble in West Side Story. This opened a whole new world to him, the world of musical theatre! 

​

      Upon finding this new world, Ray pursued a degree in Musical Theatre which he  received in May of 2019. While in college, he was blessed with the opportunity to perform for and with artists like Michael Rafter, Sutton Foster, and Gavin Creel. In his final semester, he also had the privilege of working on a new musical with his professor, Beth Turcotte, and a group of peers. Together they spent the semester at the Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry and created Fight Like Hell, a musical inspired by the life of Mother Jones. In addition to serving as one of the writers, Ray was also the choreographer for the project. Amid those fond memories, the thing he treasures most from his college years is his nickname, Sweet Baby Ray (no connection to the barbecue sauce, although it is good); which was given to him by  his beloved voice teacher, Ron Hellems.

​

       In his spare time, Ray enjoys reading, traveling, putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing video and board games, and simply spending time with his friends & family.  When it comes to his career, he says  that as long as he can make a living by performing, he'll be happy. He hopes to inspire others and teach them, as his parents taught him, "Put your mind to it, and you can do or be anything!"