John Ray - Entertainment Pioneer & Prostate Cancer Community Advocate

Ray’s path began in the mid-1970s when he founded Turning Point Productions, his first entertainment conglomerate. From there, he quickly rose to prominence, promoting world-renowned musical icons such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, The Commodores, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne of L.T.D., Kool & the Gang, Bobby Brown, MC Hammer, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston.

His influence extended beyond concert stages as he served as the national tour promoter for Anita Baker (1988–1991) and comedian Sinbad during the height of his career. Ray also managed legendary artists including Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Revue, and he currently manages the iconic group Brick.

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Ray became widely known for producing major music festivals and large-scale entertainment events across the United States. Notable productions include the Annual Southern Heritage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, and most recently, The Down-Home Blues Festival with an Old-Fashioned Fish Fry at Florewood River State Park in Greenwood, Mississippi.

In June 2024, Ray expanded his impact beyond entertainment with the founding of Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc., where he now serves as Executive Director. The organization provides life-changing education, health resources, and open-dialogue support sessions featuring prostate cancer survivors and leading urologists. Ray also hosts a monthly free men’s breakfast, creating a safe space for men to learn, ask questions, and take charge of their health.

Now at 80 years old, John R. Ray continues to shine with purpose, passion, and unwavering faith. Guided by his belief that “as long as God gives me strength and breath, all things through Christ Jesus are possible,” Ray remains committed to empowering others.

His message to the world is simple yet powerful:
Dream big. Think big. Believe in yourself. Keep ‘possibility thinking’ alive in your heart. And above all, trust God and put Him first in everything you do.