Since the age of five, Ray Lee Everett has been hitting the drums and playing music with big dreams of becoming a professional musician on the forefront of his mind. Through hard work, opportunity and a strong support system surrounding him, his childhood dream has become his reality.
Everett began his musical journey playing Tejano and rock ‘n roll with his dad at the Dairy Queen in Muleshoe, Texas. What started out as a father and son production, grew into a full size band, providing Everett opportunities to become a more versatile musician learning bass, Bajo Sexto, accordion and the keys. As he grew, he knew that music was the career path he would take. Upon graduation, he began his studies at South Plains College where he obtained further musical training.
He reflects upon the amazing faculty and staff of South Plains College. He desired to learn more and being in the classroom allowed him to play different styles of music, which shaped who he is as a musician today. When asked who influences and inspires his sound, Everett says Mark Wallney, a commercial music faculty member at South Plains College. Wallney was also instrumental in encouraging Everett to pub himself out there and seek professional opportunities. He is also inspired musically by the sounds of funk and R&B, noting he loves anything by Kool and the Gang.
Everett’s wife is also a very strong supporter of his music and his career and has encouraged him in many ways to seek opportunities to share his music and take professional chances to continue to grow his career. Not only is he a talented musician, but he also enjoys the technical side of productions. Since 2020, he has played with the band Texwestus and is a key part of their light show and effects. Everett also has a number of endorsements from well known percussion companies including Soultone Symbols, 7Drums and Collision Drumsticks.
You can find out more about Everett at https://everettraymond7.wixsite.com/rayleeeverett.
You can catch Texwestus at The Blue Light Live on April 3 and their Spotify link is https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DQpyVVZCzvcELZZR4jASN?si=pn9asteoRPyrDNJ1rwetHw
