Ray Stevens Performs to Sold-Out Crowd at Country Music Hall of Fame

Ray Stevens celebrated the release of his memoir, 'Ray Stevens' Nashville,' by performing to a sold-out crowd on Saturday (July 19) at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The event included the 75-year-old discussing his career that has spanned more than 50 years, as well as performing some of his most memorable hits, including 'The Streak,' 'Everything is Beautiful' and 'Jeremiah Peabody's Polyunsaturated Quick-Dissolving Fast-Acting Pleasant-Tasting Green and Purple Pills.'

"It was very special for me and I'm honored to have been asked to perform," Stevens says of the event.

Also on hand was Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen, who has been a longtime friend and supporter of Stevens.

"I told Ray I came to get a copy of his new book and he pulled one out of his pocket," Allen says. "I think Ray is a genius. He always fluffs me off when I tell him that, but I have always felt that way about him. I also appreciate the fact that he is a very giving man. He goes way beyond the call to help those who really need help. So, I came to support Ray Stevens, my friend. Plus, I love to hear him tell stories and sing."

The singer-songwriter says he wrote down his life experiences in the new book partly to share his own stories of how Music City has evolved over the years.

“Nashville has been my home for over 50 years,” he says. “When I first came to this city, Music Row was not fully developed, and the music business was mostly in the downtown area. There was no Nashville Sound, no major league teams or interstate highways, and no Opryland. The recording studios and publishing offices were scattered around town. It was very different then, but still today, it feels like home to me.”

Purchase 'Ray Stevens' Nashville' here.