Brian Ray – HuffPost 8.30.10

Mike Ragogna: It’s encouraging to hear stories that illustrate how determination makes the difference.

Brian Ray: On that subject, Mike, my deal is that I’m a self-taught blues-rock guitar player from Glendale, California. I didn’t graduate any music schools, and I don’t have any ungodly talents in that area. But I think what’s happened to me is that, yes, I’ve gotten opportunities, but the reason that I’ve been able to be in the position to have this job is because I’ve said “yes” to so many opportunities along the way that, at one point, I might have thought it would have been beneath me or not really what I had in mind. You know, I didn’t want to do that blues gig at the Jolly Roger bar. I didn’t want to do any of that stuff, but a better part of me said, “Just say yes, Brian.” I’ve had one opportunity after another just because I said yes, and that’s my message, man. That’s the reason that I’m the right guy for Paul, I guess. Because I just said “yes.”