Ray Boltz American singer and songwriter Country: USA

Biography of Ray Boltz

Ray Boltz is an American singer and songwriter who has gained widespread recognition for his work in contemporary Christian music (CCM). He is known for his songs that tell stories of faith and inspiration. To date, Boltz has sold over 4.5 million records and has received numerous awards, including three Dove Awards.

Born in 1953 in Muncie, Indiana, United States, Ray Boltz grew up in a family with a strong musical background. His parents, William and Ruth Boltz, instilled in him a love for music from an early age. Boltz married Carol Boltz and together they raised four children.

In 2008, Boltz made a significant revelation about his personal life. In an interview with the Washington Blade, he publicly came out as gay. He admitted that he had always been gay but had not been sexually active. Despite this revelation, Boltz continued to perform at church conferences and other religious events in the following years.

Boltz's album "True" released in 2010 aimed to reconcile his faith with his sexual orientation. Two songs from the album received national acclaim. "Don't Tell Me Who To Love" became an anthem for marriage equality advocates, while "Who Would Jesus Love" was recognized as one of the best compositions in the Billboard's International Songwriting Contest.

Although his debut album "Watch the Lamb" was released in 1986, it was not until his second album that Boltz gained significant recognition. The title track from his album won the Song of the Year award at the 1990 GMA Dove Awards. Four years later, his composition "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" earned him another Dove Award.

After releasing his sixteenth album, "The Unchanging Story," in 2004 and completing his final national tour to support the album, Boltz announced his retirement from the music industry. He relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he continues to live and pursue personal endeavors.