Tell me a bio of Johnnie Ray.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Singing Preacher." He was one of the first white artists to achieve significant success in the R&B charts and paved the way for the emergence of white rock and roll singers.

Born in Dallas, Oregon, Ray grew up in a musical family. His mother played the piano, and his father was a Baptist minister. Ray began singing in church and later learned to play the piano. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music, performing in local clubs and bars.

In 1949, Ray recorded his first single, "Confession Blues," for the Federal label. The record was a local hit, and Ray began touring the Pacific Northwest. In 1951, he recorded "Cry Me a River," which became a national hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 12 on the pop chart. The song's success earned Ray the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Singing Preacher."

Ray continued to record and tour throughout the 1950s and 1960s, scoring hits with songs such as "The Little White Cloud That Cried," "Just Walkin' in the Rain," and "Such a Night." He also appeared in several films, including "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956) and "Don't Give Up the Sheet" (1959).

In the late 1960s, Ray's career began to decline, and he struggled with alcoholism and other personal issues. He continued to perform occasionally, but his health began to fail in the 1990s. He died of heart failure in 2004, at the age of 77.

Ray's influence on popular music is significant. He was one of the first white artists to successfully incorporate R&B and gospel elements into his music, and his emotive style influenced a generation of singers, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ray Charles. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter." He was one of the first white artists to achieve significant success in the R&B genre and paved the way for other white artists like Elvis Presley and Pat Boone.

Born in Dallas, Oregon, Ray grew up in a musical family. His mother played the piano, and his father was a banjo player. Ray began performing in local talent shows and radio stations as a teenager. In 1949, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he was discovered by bandleader Cosmo Matassa. Matassa brought Ray to New Orleans to record for the Specialty Records label.

Ray's first hit single, "Cry Me a River," was released in 1951 and reached number 2 on the
Johnnie Ray's full name is Johnnie Lee Wiggins.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter
Johnnie Ray was born on January 10, 1927.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter
Johnnie Ray passed away on February 24, 2004.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter
Johnnie Ray was an American singer.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter
Johnnie Ray performed in the genres of R&B, pop, and jazz.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter
Johnnie Ray was also a pianist and songwriter.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter
Johnnie Ray was known for his powerful and emotive voice.
Johnnie Ray (Johnnie Lee Wiggins, January 10, 1927 – February 24, 2004) was an American R&B, pop, and jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, known for his powerful and emotive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Cryin' Shoutin' Painter
Ray was born in Dallas, Oregon.
Born in Dallas, Oregon, Ray grew up in a musical family
Ray grew up in a musical family.
Born in Dallas, Oregon, Ray grew up in a musical family
His mother played the piano.
 His mother played the piano, and his father was a banjo player
His father was a banjo player.
 His mother played the piano, and his father was a banjo player
Ray began performing in local talent shows.
 Ray began performing in local talent shows and radio stations as a teenager
Ray began performing on radio stations.
 Ray began performing in local talent shows and radio stations as a teenager
Ray began performing as a teenager.
 Ray began performing in local talent shows and radio stations as a teenager
Matassa brought Ray to New Orleans.
 Matassa brought Ray to New Orleans to record for the Specialty Records label
Matassa brought Ray to New Orleans to record for the Specialty Records label.
 Matassa brought Ray to New Orleans to record for the Specialty Records label