Cardwell, Ray (and Tennessee Moon)

RAY CARDWELL AND TENNESSEE MOON

  • From Springfield, Missouri.
  • 1975, began singing with his family band The Cardwell Family (with his sisters Nancy and Susan). Nancy Cardwell is the former executive director of the IBMA.
  • 1980’s, performed rock and reggae music, singing lead, playing keyboards and saxophone. Spent some time in Hollywood. Had a Missouri band called Resonance.
  • 1992, returned to bluegrass with a group called Slick Nickel.
  • 1994, joined the gospel group New Tradition. Moved to Nashville.
  • 1996, returned to Springfield to spend time with his family and to pursue a degree in music education. Became a band and choral director, leading his students to win several national competitions. While teaching he also played with a rock/pop/reggae band called Squigglefish.
  • 2016, moved to Nashville and formed a new bluegrass/newgrass band called Tennessee Moon.
  • 2016, released Tennessee Moon album (Pinecastle).
  • 2019, released Stand On My Own album (Bonfire).
  • 2020, released Just a Little Rain album (Bonfire).
  • 2021, joined rock singer-songwriter Dave Mason’s band.