Donnie Ray was born in Texarkana, Texas on July 4, 1959 into a musical family that taught him to believe that his talents were a gift from God. By the time Donnie Ray was fifteen, he was performing in his father's band, Aldredge Brothers Band. He learned to play the guitar, and soon after a few lessons, Donnie Ray was not only a singer but an instrumentalist, as well. As with all talented entertainers, Donnie Ray understood the importance of versatility. He not only mastered lead and bass guitars, the keyboard, and drums, Donnie Ray branched out and began writing lyrics for recording studios. Inspired by the Motown Sound artists and such musical legends as Bobby "Blue" Bland, Tyrone Davis, and B. B. King, Donnie Ray has worked with such artists as Millie Jackson, Marvin Sease, and numerous others.

Donnie Ray's first CD, Let's Go Dancing on the Suzy Q label, brought to the spotlight the song, Letter To My Baby, which was a hit. A couple of years later, Suzy Q released Are You Ready For Me. Donnie Ray signed with Ecko Records in 2005 and a few months later, I'll Be Good To You was released. Since 1974, Donnie Ray has only known one major thing, which is music. He has spent his life as an entertainer, and for him, there is no other choice. Always a southerner at heart, Donnie Ray lives in Montgomery, Alabama with his family.