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About
Hi I’m Ray. I’m a Jazz, Standards & Classic R&B Vocalist. A solo vocalist winner on Natalie Cole’s 90’s “Big Break Show”, I have shared the stage with “Show and Tell” hit maker, Al Wilson, Con Funk Shun, recording artist, Micheal Cooper and Motown Legend, Smokey Robinson.
Though I have nearly 4 decades of performance experience, I treat each customer with the utmost respect and approach and prepare for each performance as if it is my first.
My goal is to give each customer the best possible service I can today, better service tomorrow and even better service in the years to come.
What I enjoy most about the work that I do is that on a regular basis, I get to operate within my gifts and by doing so I affect change. Music has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and pain for many. It is an amazing 'drug free" way to improve the quality of life and I am extremely fortunate to be able to use my gifts to help make life a little better for others.
Overview
Hired 29 times
Background checked
2 employees
17 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon9:00 am - 11:59 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2018
Services offered
Music types
Vocals
Event type
Wedding reception
Wedding ceremony
Birthday party
Cocktail hour
Music genres
Pop / top 40
Jazz / Blues
Covers
Variety
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
21 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Emily D.
Mar 1, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Ray for my grandmother’s 95th birthday and he was fabulous. He got everybody moving and brought an energy to the party that you can’t get from a speaker. He was excellent with my grandma and has a phenomenal voice. I highly recommend hiring him for your events to make it an epic celebration.
Details: Birthday party • 25 guests or fewer • 31 - 50 years old • Vocals • Guitar • Other strings • No preference • Jazz / Blues • Covers • Variety • Oldies • Other
Music Entertainment
Janene s.
Jan 19, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Raymond was absolutely amazing. He has a great voice and was so professional and comforting during our time of loss. His patience and flexibility was appreciated more than words can describe.
Details: General event / party • 51 - 75 guests • 31 - 50 years old • 51 or older • Vocals • Band • No preference • Variety • Banquet hall / ballroom
Music Entertainment
Cleo A.
Nov 7, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ray was a pleasure to work with! He went above and beyond to make our event awesome and entertaining. There were so many compliments from the attendees asking about where I found Ray! He is super sweet and charismatic and performed a lot of music and was well worth the price!
Thank you so much Ray! You're the best!
Details: Corporate event • 101 - 150 guests • 31 - 50 years old • Vocals • No preference • Covers • Banquet hall / ballroom
Raymond Ray Howard's reply
Thank you Cleo, you were all so gracious and helpful. From the reserved parking spot to the personal assistant and personal videographer:-), you made my work easy. I absolutely enjoyed performing for your audience. Great crowd. Thanks again.
Music Entertainment
Sondra J.
May 7, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Ray Howard was just the ultimate compliment to our party! He sang, we danced, great mix of music and perfect personality for the birthday bash! Highly recommend this professional.
Sondra and Fred Peppe
Oceanside,CA.
Solo Musician Entertainment
Simona M.
Jun 17, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ray Howard is brilliant performer and professional at his craft.
I hired him for my mom‘s 60th birthday surprise party. In the moment he came to the venue he was super professional punctual and had the most kind attitude.
When he performed all my guest my mom and myself were so impressed how beautiful his voice is and what a wonderful performer he is. He had an amazing presence on stage and had a great interaction with the crowd. She even invited my mom and her friends to dance next to him for one of the songs which was so entertaining!
I feel so loved him so much that we have asked him to even play in our wedding next year!
Details: Birthday party • 25 guests or fewer • 31 - 50 years old • 51 or older • Band • Vocals • Guitar • Piano • No preference • Jazz / Blues • Variety • Oldies • Pop / top 40 • Outdoors
Music Entertainment
Credentials
Background Check
Raymond Howard
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I always give discounts for senior organizations.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I will send a contract and typically ask for a deposit of 1/2 down to lock in the date.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree from Ohio State University, I studied percussion and rhythms at the Ohio Music Conservatory, in Cleveland, OH and I studied vocal performance at the Ken Barry Performance Studios, in Southern California. Most importantly, after nearly 3 decades of performing, I still study and practice vocal stylings and performance techniques, new and old, continuously.
