Ray Chew from Harlem to Hollywood

Ray Chew is a master Musical Director. He is considered a genius by Quincy Jones, who proclaimed him the "full package." From Ray's humble beginnings in Harlem, 15 years as Musical Director for the syndicated NBC "Showtime At The Apollo," to orchestrating and providing musical direction for the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball (televised on ABC-TV), 2008 Democratic National Convention, countless musical programs and concerts.

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 14, 2009 -- It's tough to find a clear day on Ray Chew's calendar. The musician, producer, master string arranger, composer, and Musical Director's schedule is jam-packed with major music projects. Among them: Music Director for Black Entertainment Television's hit show "BET's Sunday Best," Miss USA, Miss Universe, as well as The Apollo Theatre's star-studded mega celebration, 75th Anniversary Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony on June 8th.

Yet Chew, who grew up in Harlem's famed Grant Houses before becoming a major force in Hollywood, always finds time to mentor. Chew recently spoke at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center about the healing power of music at the Songwriter Circles sponsored by the Songwriters Guild of America Foundation. "This was a great opportunity for me to give back and hopefully help--the men and women who protect our country," says Chew, who is a National Trustee for NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) where he serves on the Education and Diversity Committees. Chew also often tours schools with an educational program he developed called "From Africa to Hip Hop." "I truly believe in giving back. I had people help me, mentor me and I think it's a blessing to be able to do the same," says Chew, who was recently a keynote speaker at the University of Texas at Austin's Third Annual Minority Mentorship Symposium where he addressed more than 500 student/athletes.

With a career that has taken him from Harlem to Hollywood, it's no wonder the media is fascinated with Chew. In fact, he was the cover subject of the April issue of the premier Bergen County outlet, 201 magazine, recently featured on AOL Black Music, The Amsterdam News, Billboard.com, and on countless radio shows in Top 10 markets. Chew will also grace the pages of the June issue of Keyboard and Ebony magazines and will be spotlighted on the syndicated Black Enterprise - "Our World with Ed Gordon" and BET-J in the coming months.

To further help young people, Chew has formed a youth choir in Harlem. "I want to help develop talent at an early age," explains Chew. The choir is already a hit. The choir performed in Los Angeles for the recent Chabad Telethon, a non-profit event that raises funds for a variety of Jewish community causes. "The choir, made up of kids whose average age is 13-14, was a smash with the telethon viewers," says a proud Chew.    

Chew says his career has afforded him the opportunities to reach and teach others. "Music is the universal language. Even when I am in countries where people don't speak English, I can communicate through music," says Chew, who has performed all over the world. One of his most recent projects was the critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall Presents- Honor! A Celebration of African-American Cultural Legacy, curated by Jessye Norman," for which Chew was Musical Director for two shows during the month-long, New York City wide event.

In addition to his current lineup, Chew is also the Musical Director for the Apollo Theater Foundation, the long-standing maestro of both the famed Amateur Night At The Apollo and the syndicated TV program "Showtime At the Apollo," where he celebrated 15 years before the ground-breaking program closed production in 2008. Most recently, Chew was at the helm as Musical Director for the historic Neighborhood Inaugural Ball and the 2008 Democratic National Convention. These honors added to his countless television specials, recording sessions, concerts, and theatrical productions.

As Musical Director for NBC's summer hit "The Singing Bee," he performed with legends including Barry Manilow, Debbie Harry and Little Richard. He has recorded and/or performed with everyone from Elvis Costello and Sting to Dionne Warwick, Alicia Keys and Rhianna. He has worked on notable films, including scoring MTV Film's Super Sweet 16: The Movie and orchestrated and arranged for soundtracks including Ali starring Will Smith and John Singleton's Baby Boy.    

Despite his demanding schedule, Chew always enjoys quality time with his wife and kids. "I'm a full-time dad," says Chew, who squeezes in "me time" with an occasional game of golf. And there is one companion Chew is always with. "Music has been my lifetime companion," he says. "There's always a song in my head."

Ray Chew is the quintessential music man. For additional information please visit www.raychew.com and for media interviews, kt(at)taylormademediapr.com, 516-285-4999.

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