Born in Louisiana, Herbert Ray Pitre was recognized as a born musician, with music and writing talents that could be seen at an early age. He began with his brother Leonard, (a winner of many contests himself) playing bluegrass at the age of eight, at bandstands across the country, winning numerous awards in the instrumental field as well.

After a few years in bluegrass, Ray went on to start his own country band, never leaving bluegrass; and recorded his first song, The Louisiana Waltz, which made the independent charts, then went on to the majors.

While attending church, his musical talents were perfected by singing and playing with other church bands, who at that time, were much older than he. Ray's mother and father both sang and played and were Christian folks also, who encouraged as well as inspired their children to follow their hearts and dreams, as long as God was at the helm. In years to come, Ray went on to win the state competition on the banjo, and played with many musicians in country, bluegrass, and gospel music.

Ray's life today is spent with his wife and two children, fishing, going to church, singing, and reading. He came from a family of seven children, five boys and two girls, who were all raised deep in the woods of Louisiana, down on the Calcasieu River.