About Tony Ray Jones
From the age of 12, I envisioned a life as a singer and musician. I would picture myself on stage, performing for a large crowd, bringing them joy and laughter through my music.
I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. In 1978, I launched my professional career, performing with bands throughout the South. I was a side man in those days, playing guitar and banjo. And all through my early years as a musician, I planned on someday making the big move to Nashville.
Of course, that dream didn’t happen overnight. Getting to where I am today took years of dedication, growth, and hard work. Shaping me into the Artist and Songwriter I’ve become today.
My lifelong dream was to become a professional performer, singer, songwriter, and musician like some of my childhood heroes. (Johnny Cash- Merle Haggard- Buck Owens-Roger Miller-Earl Scruggs) to name a few influences.
For over two decades, I traveled and performed across the United States, spending most of those years in the Southern regions.
My First Recording experience:
In 1986, my career took a major turn. That year, I recorded my first album, in Houston Tx at Sound Masters Studio & at Hank Cochran’s Studio in Goodlettsville, TN. called Three Wishes. I toured with that record and began opening for artists like Willie Nelson, Ed Bruce, Dan Seals, Sawyer Brown, Louise Mandrell and many others.
One memorable night, while playing at the Holiday Inn in Bryan College Station TX, a man approached me after my set and said, “Hey, you’re pretty good!” That man turned out to be Tom T. Hall. He invited me to open for him in Fort Hood, Texas. It was a phenomenal experience that only deepened my admiration for him. Our conversations after the Fort Hood show inspired me to make the move to Nashville.
The move to Nashville, TN
Then, during a 1989 vacation in Nashville, I spotted a sign above the Grand Ole Opry that read, “Opryland Talent Agency – Holding Auditions.” I couldn’t pass up the opportunity, and to my excitement, they hired me!
In May 1990, they invited me back to entertain on the General Jackson Showboat, where I would perform for crowds, gaining invaluable experience on a legendary Nashville stage.
In Nashville, I performed six days a week, working at the Opryland Theme Park, Opryland Hotel, and on the General Jackson Showboat. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to build connections and refine my unique sound-a blend of the styles I’ve loved since childhood (country, folk, blues, and bluegrass)
When Opryland Theme Park closed in 1997, I took a step back from music to explore new paths. After a brief return to Texas playing on the road but by a divine intervention, I joined International Gospel Outreach (IGO) in 1998 as a staff member in Semmes, Alabama. There I had the privilege of training people preparing for missionary work in places like Africa, Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. I stayed with IGO for four fulfilling years, where I was even able to travel as a "Musicianary"— A musical missionary! During this time, I also earned my degree from the International College of Bible Theology.
After my time with IGO, I spent three years as an audio technician with a sound reinforcement company called DB Enterprise. In what felt like a twist of fate, my business partner, Greg James, asked me to launch a new branch of DB Enterprise in Nashville, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes! Once in Nashville, I worked as an Audio Tech & Engineer.
Accident-New Adventure and Business
In 2005, my wife Patty and I got married. A couple months later, I was faced with a life-changing accident.
Backwoods Recording Studio was born, as a result of this life-altering event. I survived a fall from the roof of a three-story house. A fall that should have taken my life. The injury left me without livelihood or clear direction, and for over a year, I couldn’t walk. But in that time, I moved past the initial shock and stopped questioning why this had happened or what the future held. Gradually, I began to see the accident as a blessing rather than a setback, opening a new path forward.
Though the accident took a toll on my body, it brought a renewed clarity for my future. It was a blessing in disguise, a push I needed to shift the direction of my dreams.
I became resourceful, making the most of my circumstances and the talents God had given me. I set up a small studio in my kitchen and began creating music once more. I recorded simple basic quality demos for publishers. I started doing voiceovers and created guitar demos for friends and fellow songwriters.
Advances in technology transformed the music recording process-and my life along with it. Using a computer and a small audio interface, I was able to record guitar and vocal demos right from home.
Present Day
With my background as a performer, singer, songwriter, producer, and engineer, I am now equipped with a full production studio. I’m able to focus my energy on helping others achieve their dreams while continuing to fuel my own passion for creating great music.
These days, I’m thrilled to spend my time writing songs and producing demos for the talented artists at Backwoods Recording Studio. I’m dedicated to using my musical expertise and industry knowledge to help others bring their musical dreams to life. “Dream-Create-Record.”
Above you can find some of the songs I have written or co-written with friends. They are all available for download – just click on the BUY” button. You can also listen to samples of my work there. Enjoy
Favorite Quotes
“The Opportunity of a lifetime must be seized
within the lifetime of the opportunity”
“God hasn’t called us to be famous,
“He’s called us to be faithful”
“Someday” is not a day of the week”