‘Catch of the Day’ – Michael Ray [AUDIO]

Today's spotlight falls on an artist who, unbeknownst to most, is a winner of a television talent search program, a protege of Big & Rich's John Rich, and the newest member of the MuzikMafia.

Michael Ray first came to Nashville's attention on the television program The Next: Fame Is At Your Doorstep, where under the mentoring of John Rich he progressed through the show's first two rounds singing Eric Church's "Springsteen", Luke Bryan's "Drunk On You". In the finals, he chose Jake Owen's "Barefoot, Blue Jean Night", nailing the song and coming away with the title, and a record contract with Atlantic Records.

While working with Rich on the program, Ray put his writing skills to work, writing "Run Away With You", which was recorded by Big and Rich for their most recent album Gravity. The duo released the song as a single earlier this year and it peaked at #24 on the country charts. Ray also recorded a version of the song which appears on his debut album.

With a recording contract in hand, Ray went to work in the studio on his debut album. Collecting a group of talented writers, the album, produced by Scott Hendricks. includes songs written by Ray, Rich, Rhett Aikens, The Warren Brothers, Shane McAnally and Casey Beathard, among others. Ray's lead single, "Kiss You In The Morning", written by Justin Wilson and Michael White, hit #1 on the Billboard country chart, just last week.

Not resting on his laurels, Ray is ready to go with the second single from that self-titled debut album. Michael Ray and "Real Men Love Jesus" is today's Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again.