A MUSICIAN who started his career in Scotland before going on to sing in the States with Jerry Lee Lewis has settled in Kincardine.

Raymond Blondell (46) – who has performed in front of Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood – now plays to packed audiences across the Wee County.

He told the Advertiser, “Locally I play at Crams Bar in Alloa on Fridays, The King’s Seat in Dollar and The Auld Hoose in Kincardine every last Sunday of the month.” Raymond, who was brought up in East Kilbride, has sung since he was 11-years-old. After turning professional he toured the UK before crossing the pond on a holiday that would change his life forever.

He said, “On my 21st birthday I went to Memphis on a trip to Graceland as I am a huge Elvis fan. When I was there I went to see Jerry Lee Lewis perform.

“During his set I noticed a mike stand with a mike. I was a little drunk – I jumped onstage and started singing with him. He loved it and then asked me to do another song.” Jerry Lee’s management team took Raymond under their wing.

Through them he was introduced to Elvis’ best friend George Klein, toured with Jerry Lee for over a decade, performed alongside Elvis’ TCB band and sang with Percy Sledge.

He said, “My big highlights have been touring with Jerry Lee and the Elvis TCB band, but one that sticks out was playing at the Viper Room in LA.

“When the curtains opened all my heroes were there – Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, Tom Petty, Johnny Depp and Daryl Hannah. They all loved it.

“Kid Rock became a big fan – he would come to a lot of our gigs – and meeting Bono was special, especially when he cuddled me and told me I was very talented.” Raymond, who had a hit with I’ll Be There To Catch You When You Fall, loves writing and performing.

He said, “I love singing – it gives me pleasure watching people having fun. I find inspiration to write songs with everyday life. I write how I feel and hope the audience can relate to it.

“I have an album out in America called Wing It. My new album, A Little Less Conversation, comes out in two weeks. Both can be purchased online.” Raymond’s plan for the next year is to get back out on the road and hit all of Scotland’s pubs and clubs.

He added, “I would love to thank Jim, Andrew and Marion from Crams Bar in Alloa for giving me the platform to perform locally. It’s fantastic and the atmosphere is awesome.

“Also, Brian and Elaine from Kincardine.” For more info or to book Raymond for a private function, call 07921482585.