Sugaray Rayford is thrilled to announce the release of his new album, Human Decency, now available on Forty Below Records. The album is accessible on all major streaming platforms, allowing listeners to experience its soulful depth and compelling narrative. You can listen to Human Decency here.
At its core, Human Decency delivers a profound message: our similarities far outweigh our differences. Rayford’s music reminds us that beyond the labels of black or white, left or right, there are only hearts and minds.
Rayford is not just a musician; he is a man with a message and a larger-than-life personality and voice to deliver it. His live shows are more than performances—they are vibrant parties where conversations spark and self-reflection takes root. Audiences leave with a sense of joy and togetherness, a testament to Rayford’s unifying force.
Collaborating with producer and songwriter Eric Corne, Rayford has crafted an incendiary sound and narrative, marking an exciting new chapter in American soul music. The album features an all-star cast, including guitarist Rick Holmstrom and singer Saundra Williams from Mavis Staples’s band, drummer Matt Tecu (Jakob Dylan), bassist Taras Prodaniuk (Lucinda Williams), guitarist Eamon Ryand (Happy Mondays), keyboardists Sasha Smith (Sam Beam) and Drake “Munkihaid” Shining (Deep Purple), trumpeter Mark Pender (Bruce Springsteen), saxophonist Joe Sublett (B.B. King), and flutist Dan Kaneyuki (Goo Goo Dolls). Corne also contributes with harmonies and various instruments.
The video for the title track was brought to life by Director Anthony Wolch, Cinematographer Eric Foster, and Editor Ali Niknam, adding a visual dimension to the album’s powerful message.
Human Decency has garnered high praise from critics. Relix Magazine describes it as “a funk-infused journey that expands on Rayford’s soul blues heritage, elevating the instrumental presentation beyond expectations.” Q Magazine highlights Rayford’s personality, noting, “Rayford’s larger-than-life personality and funky soul swings along at a steady clip, giving voice to a worthy cause all the way down the line.” Soul and Jazz and Funk draws parallels to the legends, stating, “Think back to the Golden days of Chess and people like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters; then factor in the sound of classic soul men like Solomon Burke and add a sprinkle of the big-voiced icons like Teddy P and you’re getting near to the sound of Sugaray Rayford.” Americana Highways sums it up: “Smoked-out rhythms with a blend of Muddy Waters and BB King that works…works…works on all levels.”
Rayford’s career has been marked by significant achievements. He was nominated for a 2020 Grammy for Somebody Save Me and has won five Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer, Vocalist, Soul Blues Album (In Too Deep), and Soul Blues Artist (twice).
About Sugaray Rayford
Born in Tyler, Texas, Sugaray Rayford’s early years were fraught with turmoil. Raised by his mother, who battled cancer while raising three boys alone, Rayford’s early life was a struggle. Moving in with his grandmother brought stability, introducing him to a life filled with gospel and soul music through daily church attendance.
As an African American youth growing up in poverty, Rayford saw the military as a path out and served ten years in the Marines. His soulful rasp and expressive vocal style reflect his first-hand experiences with hardship and loss. Today, he uses his voice to deliver songs with powerful messages and themes of love. “I believe in social justice and want that to be a focus in the music, but I also like to have a good time. The light and the shade, baby!” says Rayford.
After finding early success with The Mannish Boys, Rayford struck out on his own with Blind Alley. In 2017, The World That We Live In catapulted him to the upper echelon of the blues world while alerting the soul community to his arrival.
Sugaray Rayford’s Human Decency is more than an album; it’s a soulful call for unity and an invitation to dance through the challenges of life with joy and togetherness. Dive into his latest release and experience the transformative power of music.
