Rai Ragland, a resident of Atlanta, GA, is one of the Southeast’s most elite and sought after performers. Best known for her showmanship, and smooth supple voice; Rai performs “Traditional” and “Contemporary” vocal jazz likened to the style of: Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Dianne Reeves, Sarah Vaughan, Al Jarreau, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

She is featured with her swinging band, under the direction of bandleader/drummer Vernard (“Sticks”) Hoover performing at numerous venues to include but not limited
to: jazz clubs, hotels, restaurants, festivals, museums and country clubs. Rai and her band are featured periodically on the Comcast Cable TV Show “Atlanta Jazz & Blues”.

Growing up in the NY/NJ area, and singing since the age of eight, Rai experienced being exposed to an abundance of top notch vocal talent through performances, teacher’s and mentors.

Her true progression as an awe inspiring artist, came at age 15 when she became part of a well known, established touring production troupe called “The Soul Town Review”, which gave Rai the opportunity to perform on a professional level with world renowned entertainers.

Unknown at this time, a very popular group known as “The New Dimensions” would emerge as one of the leading acts. It was in this seven member, funk band, that Ms Ragland not only found love for the new sound, but the love of a husband as well. Rai took on a new responsibility as a loving wife to one of the group members, and The “New Dimensions” evolved into “Kool & The Gang”.

For years to come Rai toured with the troupe and everything was exactly as the name of the group suggested. The music, experience, and her career were all “Kool & The Gang”

With such influences as her Mother, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Dionne Warwick, and her vocal teacher Ms Edith Philips, Rai is quick to point out that her beloved children are the main driving force behind her creativity and inspiration.
What was once the under developed talent of a truly gifted eight year old has now manifested itself, and the results are found in her mature, supple voice, and that voice belongs to the one and only, Rai Ragland.