Country Music Legend Ray Stevens Recovering After Mild Heart Attack
Ray Stevens, one of country music’s most beloved and enduring figures, is recovering after suffering a mild heart attackon Friday, June 20. The 85-year-old Country Music Hall of Fame inductee was admitted to a Nashville-area hospital after experiencing chest pain, where doctors performed a heart catheterization and confirmed the heart attack.
According to his team, Stevens underwent minimally invasive heart surgery the following morning and is now in stable condition, resting comfortably as he begins his recovery.
Due to his health scare, all performances at his CabaRay Showroom in West Nashville have been canceled through at least the end of July. Fans who planned to attend upcoming shows have been encouraged to stay tuned for updates regarding future scheduling.
A Legendary Career
Ray Stevens’ influence on country and comedy music spans more than six decades. Born Harold Ray Ragsdale, he launched his career at the age of 18 after signing with Capitol Records in 1957. His first hit, “Silver Bracelet,” landed on the Billboard charts, setting the stage for a prolific and versatile musical journey.
Stevens is best known for chart-topping songs such as “Everything is Beautiful,” a Grammy-winning No. 1 single that also served as the theme song for his 1970s variety program, The Ray Stevens Show. The heartfelt anthem earned a gold certification from the RIAA and remains one of his most enduring works.
Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Stevens became equally known for his humor-infused novelty songs. Classics like “The Streak,” “Gitarzan,” and “I Need Your Help Barry Manilow” showcased his comedic brilliance. Even in the wake of national tragedies, Stevens found ways to blend satire with sentiment, such as with his post-9/11 parody ballad “Osama—Yo Mama.”
Honors and Legacy
Ray Stevens’ contributions to music have earned him spots in multiple halls of fame, including:
-
Country Music Hall of Fame
-
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
-
Georgia Music Hall of Fame
-
Christian Music Hall of Fame
His talents as a songwriter, performer, and television personality have solidified his legacy as one of the most dynamic entertainers in American music history.
A Personal Life of Love and Loss
Stevens was married to his late wife Penny for 60 years before she passed away on New Year’s Eve 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. The couple had two daughters and are proud grandparents to four grandchildren.
Looking Ahead
Though his health scare is a reminder of his age, those close to Stevens remain optimistic about his recovery. A spokesperson for the singer thanked fans for their “prayers and well wishes” and emphasized that Stevens is “in good spirits and looking forward to getting back to music when he’s ready.”
Fans across the country are sending their love and hoping the legendary entertainer will soon return to the stage—where he’s made millions laugh and sing for generations.