. Ray Price January 12 1926 - December 16 2013 Ray Price was one of the most influential vocalists in country music history, known for reshaping both honky-tonk and the smoother Nashville sound. Born in Wood County, Texas, Price grew up influenced by Western swing and traditional country, developing a rich baritone voice that would become his signature. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Price moved to Nashville in the early January 1952 and became roommates with Hank Williams (Hank died in