Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon “Rev Ray” Lopez
Hi Ramon “Rev Ray”, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From the Streets to the Stage: The Rise of Rev Ray
Growing up in the Lower Valley streets of El Paso, TX, was never easy, but for Ray, now known as Rev Ray “El Hijo De La Tierra Del Sol”, it was the foundation of a journey that would take him from the edges of street life to the forefront of music and film. Raised by his grandparents and attending Riverside High School, Ray always had dreams of becoming a successful musician. Yet, the surrounding environment—filled with gangs, drugs, and alcohol—made pursuing those ambitions a constant battle.
“Family life was different for me,” Rev Ray shares. “I was adopted by my grandparents, and while they did their best to raise me, I still felt drawn to the streets. That made it hard to chase my dreams at a young age.” But after years of living on the edge, he realized the wild lifestyle he had adopted could only lead him into more trouble. When the law finally caught up to him, it was a turning point.
Determined to change, Ray decided to move to San Antonio—a move that became the beginning of his transformation. “San Antonio was where I learned what it meant to live life honestly,” he explains. Juggling three jobs—bartending, construction, and working for a dentistry—he saved up enough to get his own place and began pouring his heart into his true passion: music. It wasn’t long before he started performing at local bars and restaurants, slowly building his presence in the city.
A chance encounter at an Allen Stone concert would soon change everything. After a conversation with a fellow music lover, Ray auditioned for a soul band. His voice left an unforgettable impression, earning him the nickname “Rev Ray.” His bandmates felt his vocals had the power to bring people to church. And so, Rev Ray was born.
From there, his musical career took off. Transitioning into Cumbia music with the group Tarasco Tropical, Rev Ray began performing at major festivals like Dia De Los Muertos Fest, Fiesta San Antonio, and even large-scale events in Corpus Christi. His soulful voice became a staple of these celebrations, blending a unique mix of Latin beats, Cumbia, and soul.
One of the most pivotal moments in his career came when he met Tejano legend Shelly Lares. Shelly not only mentored Ray but helped him release his first album, Ritmos y Raíces, in September. The album showcased his musical roots, and Ray’s performance at the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival was a massive hit, garnering praise from Latin Groove News.
But Rev Ray’s talent didn’t stop at music. He soon stepped into acting, landing a role in the film series King of the South, represented by TJF Talent Agency. His collaboration with Shelly Lares extended into filmmaking, with the two co-writing a song for the upcoming movie Deeper. The song promises to be just one of many exciting collaborations to come.
With the momentum of his music career, his acting roles, and performances at upcoming events like the Santa Clarita International Film Festival in California, it’s clear that Rev Ray’s journey is just beginning. From the streets of El Paso to the stages of major festivals, he’s proving that with determination, reinvention, and a little soul, anything is possible.
Stay tuned for more from Rev Ray—because this is only the beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“It was never a smooth road for me. My struggles with drug and alcohol addiction were a major factor in my life. Finding God became a pivotal turning point, but even then, the journey was far from easy. Becoming a Christian and getting baptized wasn’t a quick fix—it was a struggle because walking the path of a man of God is tougher than living in sin. But I learned to live one day at a time and have continued to work my 12-step program. Now, with 3 and a half years of sobriety behind me, life still throws challenges my way, but I don’t let them bring me down. I just keep moving forward.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“I’m a singer and musician, playing multiple instruments, but I also have a background in the medical field where I’ve done a lot of business administration work for medical offices. I’m proud of my perseverance and strong work ethic, whether in my music or my career. I never give up and always strive to learn more, perfecting my craft in everything I do. What sets me apart is my ability to juggle different passions while staying committed to excellence. I believe in pushing myself to grow, both as an artist and a professional.”
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
“I love how beautiful downtown San Antonio is, with its historic charm and the fact that it’s so centralized, making it easy to get to other major cities in Texas. The rivers running through the city and areas like Southtown are some of my favorite spots—they’re full of life and culture. While I’m not as fond of the food here compared to what I grew up with in El Paso, I recognize that it’s just different, not bad by any means. It’s all about what you’re used to, but San Antonio still has its own unique flavor.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rev_ray_music/profilecard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100036536830141
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rev_ray_music
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vGFUFVl1agsM2ZcTjP2Zt
