Vegas Headliner Johnny Ray Brings Show Talents To North Shore

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Bay State native Johnny Ray is bringing his musical talents back to the North Shore after decades of headlining shows on the Las Vegas strip and cruise lines throughout the world.

Ray will be performing at two Marblehead venues that he now has an ownership stake — The Beacon Restaurant & Bar, a Manhattan-style supper club showcasing live music nightly, and the newly opened Johnny Ray's Music Emporium, a hybrid music school, studio, and creative hub on the North Shore.

Ray opened the Music Emporium with his partner Richard Messinger, a lifelong music lover and musician, this fall at 31 Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead. The school will feature instrument sales, consignments, lessons, repairs and a podcast studio.

"Music has been my life from day one," Ray said. "But coming home to build something lasting — something that brings people together through live entertainment — that's the real reward."

Ray began his career performing locally in the Boston area before being discovered while playing with a band on a Horizons Edge Casino Cruise Line. He went on to become a Vegas headliner known for his vocals, stage energy and ability to connect with his audience.

Ray performs regularly with his band at The Beacon and regional venues across New England.

He describes his performances as those that "bridge eras," blending the "sophistication of Sinatra with the energy of modern pop."

More on Ray's performance schedule can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached atScott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)