The Ray Manning Singers were formed by the husband and wife team of Ray and Marvelyn Manning in 1971. Singing was a part of both Ray and Marvelyn’s life. Ray was a member of the popular Kansas City, KS group, The Manning Singers featuring his sister, Marva Whitney; four brothers: Rayford, Raymond, Melvin and Marvin ; and their mother, Kansas City legend, Mrs. Willa Mae Manning. On the other side of the state line in Kansas City, MO, Marvelyn was making her mark as a 13 year old choir director.
After singing locally with the Simon Payne Singers, Ray and Marvelyn decided to branch out on their own enlisting others (family and friends) who desired to sing and minister thru Gospel music. The Ray Manning Singers have taken on many different looks over the years ranging from the original choir to an ensemble, then a group of four. Regardless of the number of singers, the Ray Manning singers were one of the most popular singing groups in the Kansas City area.
In 1974 Ray and Marvelyn thought it was time to go to another level and decided to record their first album, Just Live. With a new album, the Ray Manning Singers expanded their performances to regional churches and events.
After developing a strong regional following, Marvelyn solicited the help of her brother-in-law, Gospel Saxophonist Dr. Vernard Johnson, and the Ray Manning singers released their first National release: Brother Vernard Johnson Presents The Ray Manning Singers. This album featured what was to become their signature song, I’m Living For Jesus. At the height of their success in 1977, Ray and Marvelyn started a radio program, “The KC Midwest Gospel Show”, playing the latest in Gospel music. In addition to traveling the country, The Ray Manning Singers went on to record three more albums, appearing numerous times on the Bobby Jones Gospel Show on BET, as well as hosting their weekly radio show under the new name, “The Ray Manning Singers Ministry of Praise” until the untimely death of Marvelyn in 1992.
Ray continues to host the radio broadcast, “Gospel Exaltations” on KPRT, 1590AM and on their 24 hour online radio station, www.raymanningsingers.com, with his brother Raymond, stepping in as the new co-host. 2003 marked the return of the Ray Manning Singers to the National scene with their first release, Lord We Praise You, since the death of Marvelyn in 1992.
Musical Contributions
Albums/Recordings:
– 1978 Dr. Vernard Johnson Presents The Ray Manning Singers (Glori Records & Tapes – N.Y.) Produced by Dr. Vernard Johnson
– 1981 Look What You’re Missing (Savoy Records – N.J.) Produced by Milton Biggham
– 1986 You Got To Be Free (Morada Records, Nashville, TN. & later released on Quick Silver Records, Reseda, CA.) Produced by Dr. Vernard Johnson & James Bignon
– 1991 Songstylists On A Mission (Stairrail Records – Kansas City, MO) Produced by Rev. Daryl Coley & Keith Tribitt
– 2003 Lord We Praise You – Single (Afinia Music – Kansas City, MO) Produced by Keith Tribitt
Video:
– 1991 Songstylists on a Mission
Prison Outreach:
- Leavenworth Federal Prison – Kansas
- Lansing State – Kansas (Women & Men)
- Cook County – Chicago, IL
- Wyandotte County – Kansas
- Jackson County – Missouri