Ray Kirkland

Background

Kirkland, Ray was born on May 13, 1941 in Dothan, Alabama, United States. Son of Otho Adelbert and Emma Ruby (Welch) Kirkland.

Education

Graduated from high school, Dothan.

Career

Bass player, "Jim and Jesse", Nashville, Tennessee, 1964-1970; bass player, Osborne Brothers, Nashville, since 1971; bass player, Grand Pa Jones Show, Nashville, since 1985; bass player, Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, since 1960; television host, The Ray Kirkland Show, Dothan, 1966-1969; artist, singer, Jamboree United States of America, Wheeling, West Virginia, 1972-1975; opening performer, The Jimmy C. Newman Show, Nashville, 1975-1985; songwriter, music publisher, Raybern Music Inc., Nashville, since 1968; independent producer, KCR Prodns., Nashville, since 1975. Numerous guest appearances on national and local television programs. Songwriter Grand Ole Opray, since 1992, Jim and Jesse Show, since 1992.

Achievements

• Ray Kirkland has been listed as a notable musician, songwriter by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Colonel Staff of Governor Finch, Mississippi, 1979. Aide de camp Sen. T. Tommy Cutrer, Tennessee, 1982. Served with United States Army, 1965-1971.

Member American Federation Musicians, Reunion Professional Entertainers (board directors 1986-1987, 88—), Masons.

Interests

• Avocations: fishing, football, baseball.

Connections

Married Josie B. Hesson, January 15, 1968. Children: Troy Davis Masters, Tammy Jayne Masters.

Father:

Otho Adelbert Kirkland

Mother:

Emma Ruby (Welch) Kirkland

Spouse:

Josie B. Hesson

child:

Tammy Jayne Masters Kirkland

child:

Troy Davis Masters Kirkland