RAY DIJON
(Ray Dijon®)
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Singer / Songwriter, ASCAP.
I was born in Paterson, N.J. and raised in North Haledon, N.J. since Birth. Both of my parents were born in the USA . On my father’s side, my Grandparents were from Halluin, France. And on my mother’s side, my Grandparents were from Galicia, Spain.
All my life, I have enjoyed music and singing, as a hobby. But, it has been my lifelong dream to be an accomplished Singer / Songwriter. Brought up in the Catholic Faith, as a boy, I was not permitted to sing in the Catholic Church. Singing was allowed only for Adults and they sang in Latin . So, I sang in a Choir at “The First Baptist Church of Paterson ” in English . I wrote my first song, when I was 10 years old called, “When Jesus”. At age 13, while in Middle school, I played Guitar and sang lead vocal in a group called, “The Band”. Then, at age 14, I played Guitar and sang lead vocal in a band called, “The Cooks” . In High school, I sang my Freshman year in the chorus and then I was quickly bumped up into the choir . At age 15, I sang lead vocal in a rockin’ roll group called, “Aurora”.
Accomplishments, along my journey as a Singer / Songwriter…
1964 – I wrote a song called, “WHEN JESUS” – (Religious Christmas Song).
1974 – I wrote a song called, “BORN WITHOUT YOUR LOVE”.
1976 – Took a lead roll singing and acting in the first production of “On Stage Inc .” as Prince Michael, in “The Emperor’s New Clothes”.
1979 – I Joined “The Montclair Operetta Club”. I sang , danced and acted in “OKLAHOMA” , “GUYS and DOLLS” , ” and “SWEET CHARITY”.
1979 – I wrote a Doo Wop Christmas song called, “MISSIN’ YOU TONIGHT”.
1986 – I sang in a professional A Cappella group called, “The Joyful Light Singers”.
1992 – I took acting lessons with “Action Theater” and sang a tribute to Judy Garland, on lower Broadway, N.Y, N.Y.
1994 – I wrote a couple of songs for my daughter: “CHUBBY LITTLE FEET” and “SHE’S MY DAUGHTER”.
1999 – Joined a professional men’s Choir – “The Orpheus Club of Ridgewood”. I sang many solo’s .
2006 – Joined “The Wyckoff YMCA Choir”.
2007 – 2011: I sang bass, in an International Singing Group called, “The Roy Meyer Swingers”.
2009 – Joined “The Players Guild of Leonia”. I played a key role in “110 IN THE SHADE” and “LOVERS and OTHER STRANGERS”, along with several other shows and fundraisers.
2015 – I wrote and performed a song for my daughter’s high school graduation called, “WE ARE ALL THE SAME”.
2016 – I wrote “IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME”. A Doo Wop Christmas song. It was fun to arrange, sing and record all of the vocal tracks, on this particular song!
2017 – I wrote “RESPECT IS CALLED UPON” – (Patriotic Song).
2018 – I wrote “LOOKIN ‘ AT THE STARS”.
2018 – I wrote “I BLEW IT”.
May 19, 2018 – My music video of my patriotic song,”RESPECT IS CALLED UPON”, debuted during the Hoboken International Film Festival, held at the Cove Castle Restaurant in Greenwood Lake, NY.
May 26, 2018 (Memorial Day)- Performed the “National Anthem” for my hometown of North Haledon, NJ.
June 14, 2018 (Flag Day) – Performed the “National Anthem” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” for my hometown of North Haledon, NJ.
August 16, 2018 – My album, titled “WE ARE ALL THE SAME”, was completed and released with a blend of (9) well crafted songs for everyone’s listening pleasure.
Over the years, I took voice lessons with Opera singers:
1) Claudette Paterson
2) Forest Munger
3) Daniela Di Pasquale
Music is very important to me! And I honestly feel that it’s a good way to keep young. I truly believe that it reduces stress, enables self pride and self expression, while it makes people feel happy in this complicated world that we all live in .
Many thanks to my talented Producer, Bob Harris, of Ampersand Records, INC. – USA .
I hope that you’ve enjoyed my autobiography, my music and your visit to my personal website! Please stop by again, soon!
GOD Bless You All…And May GOD Bless America!