Ray Chew
Music Director Ray Chew performs at the helm of award winning musical events with the world’s most popular artists including Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Prince, Justin Beiber, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, Barry Manilow, Queen Latifah, James Taylor, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jennifer Hudson and Quincy Jones. Currently Ray is in his fourth season as the music director for ABC’s “Dancing with The Stars” giving his music takes on current and classic hits.
Previously Ray served as music director for Fox’s “American Idol”, where he inspired some of the best talent in the competition’s history and produced over 300 contestant iTunes downloads. He has also served as music director for several network television series including “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” and BET’s “Sunday Best”. Ray’s long standing history with the BET Network, heading up the music for their biggest annual events include: “BET Honors”, “Celebration of Gospel” and the “BET Awards”.
Ray’s music direction is sought after for prestigious music specials and historic landmark events including the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, the 2015 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, the 2008 Democratic National Convention, The President’s Inaugural Neighborhood Ball and the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards. In 2014, with the blessings of Milton DeLugg – who had previously held the seat for 50 years, Ray was handed the baton to musically direct NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade… an 88 year tradition.
Ray’s work with orchestras as a conductor and a composer has carried him to prestigious venues all over the world. From the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. to the Nobel Peace Prize broadcast in Norway, Ray’s in demand sound can be found on various television and film scores.
At Carnegie Hall, he curated “A Night of Inspiration” – a sold out all-star concert to promote diversity at the famed venue. He conducted a 63-piece orchestra joined by a 125 voice mass choir for notable artists from the gospel and secular communities.
Ray’s company, Chew Entertainment is looking forward to bringing back to the Carnegie stage their second “A Night of Inspiration” in December 2016. This staple event, in addition to Carnegie, will also premiere in Tel Aviv and London.
