User:RCoats24/sandbox

Raymond Coats is a very unique individual! Being the eighth child of 17 siblings from the union of Curtis Coats,Sr. and Gradie Hardy-Coats, from and early age he proved to be exceptionally gifted in a couple of areas. Born at San Francisco General Hospital, Raymond was taken home to the house on the corner of Palou and Ingalls in the San Francisco Bayview-Hunter's Point Area. Known for his gift of public speaking Raymond was enrolled, by his father, into an organization known for teaching the art of public speaking known as The Toastmasters. After graduating from the Toastmasters at 12 years old, it became apparent the Raymond's command of an audience would translate into a singing avocation. Chosen to be a member of the family's A-Capella gospel group, The Coats Family Singers, he began singing "bass-o-prof-undo", in other words, "the bass under every other voice in the group". Raymond began perfecting the art of, what is known in entertainment circles as, "Front Man". His ability to engage the audience was more the driving force than his ability to sing. Coming from a background as bass singer he had to move on to other voices, baritone, second tenor and even a little first tenor. In doing so a learning curve had to be acknowledged and embraced which he readily did. Raymond sang with such groups as "The Elegants", "The Performers", "Cordial", "Soul Commitments", "Raymond & The Cadillacs", "Finesse'" and others. Having performed before audiences the included Danny Glover, Willie Brown, the Mayor of San Francisco, Bill Withers, (who later on took Raymond and his group, Cordial, into his own studio and mentored him into producing "Cordial, Their First" showcasing one of Raymond's originals entitled, "Special Love For Me"! Everyone thought that it was about a girl, but it was about Raymond's love for music and entertaining. Since then Raymond has recorded with the likes of the late, great pianist Merle Saunders' son, Anthony Saunders who is a great jazz bassist himself with hits out such as "Bigger Than Outside" and "Romancing The Bass".  Raymond's latest release, entitled "Every Time She Cries" has just hit the charts and he is working in the studio now, 2012, on his next release, "Its A Party Tonight"