Country star Miranda Lambert is mourning the loss of her longtime guitarist Scotty Wray whom she met in 2001 when she was only 17 years old.
Sharing the tragic news with a heavy heart, Lambert also took to Instagram to describe Wray as one of the “most talented guitar players” she’s ever known and one of her “most treasured friends, bandmates, and road family members.” She also gave fans a glimpse of their journey together.
Wray, who had been battling coronary heart problems for several years, died on Friday, February 18.
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When Miranda Lambert started her career in music, she didn’t have a full band. It was just her and Scotty Wray. Armed with his acoustic guitar, he had been by the country star’s side on stage, hitting any spot in Texas that would welcome them – from Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
When Lambert’s budding career got a boost, band members began coming in, yet Wray remained as the leader of the band, acting as the relentless and the anchor in the singer’s often tumultuous universe.
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But Wray is more than just a band member. He was also a songwriter who co-wrote several songs for Lambert. This includes “I Wanna Die,” which appeared on her 2005 major-label debut studio album, as well as “Easy Living” and “Gravity Is a Bitch.” Wray also wrote the country ballad “Scars,” which Lambert played live over the years. The song was later recorded by ’90s country hitmaker Collin Raye, who is also Wray’s brother. Raye’s version features Lambert on harmony vocals.
“Heaven is lucky cause that honky tonk band up there just gained another guitar pickin angel,” Lambert ended her post that comes with a series of photos, which includes the two of them showing off their matching tattoos.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Lambert and Wray’s family at this difficult time.
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Miranda Lambert, Scotty Wray