Darren has been singing in public since he was a child, influenced by his parents’ recordings of such singers as Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and The Kingston Trio.
His first outing in a talent quest was when, aged nine, he won his way through to a local NEW FACES GRAND FINAL in Melbourne.
He won the Royal Brisbane Hospital New Faces in 1989, hosted by Brisbane radio personality WAYNE ROBERTS. This led to several guest spots on the 4BC Breakfast Show.
In 1991 he won the annual Brunswick Markets Talent Grand Final, a week after impressing audiences, agents and judges alike in the GYMPIE MUSTER Talent Search.
Darren also advanced, after heats and finals, to the Coca-Cola NATIONAL KARAOKE FINAL, held in July 1992.
He has performed solo/acoustic in South-East Queensland since 1990. Being a TALENTED GUITARIST, Darren also WRITES and ARRANGES his own compositions.
He is one of Brisbane’s few live solo acts who can sing and play at his best without any sequenced backing or drum machine. His repertoire includes ‘50s and ‘60s pop’n’roll and great hits from ‘70s singer/songwriters.
Also in 1990 he assembled a fine group of local musicians to launch an EVERLY BROTHERS TRIBUTE SHOW. At one time, the show featured the renowned talents of IAN SIMPSON and MICHEL ROSE from SLIM DUSTY’s own band.
The act has since evolved into THE DARREN J. RAY BAND.
In July 1993 Darren won the Redcliffe Leagues Talent Grand Final, hosted by JOHN McSWEENEY.
