Claude Gray was born deep in the heart of East Texas. He Graduated from Henderson High School, and studied one year at Letourneau Technical Institute at Longview,.Texas.

He enlisted in the United States Navy, and served aboard ship , (the Uss Cacapon), in the Pacific and the Far East. He was honorably discharged as aPetty Officer Second Class, Quarter Master ,
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Claude began his "country music" career while in the Navy, and continued after his discharge.

Claude has performed all over the U.S., and Canada, and parts of Europe in all types of shows and concerts. , Although Claude was never an "Opry" member, he appeared regularly on the Grand Ole Opry for years, and hosted frequently.

Career and Music awards: from Cashbox Magazine, Music Reporter Awards for Five Top Ten National Hits; and was presented a "Gold Record" From Mercury Records, for "I'll Just Have A Cup of Coffee", He has been inducted into most of the Country Music" halls of fame. Claude recorded for 14 years for Mercury, Columbia, and MCA/Decca Records, having a total of 27 Top 20 national Billboard Chart releases.

Claude was an honorary Lieutenant Colonel on the Staff of the Governors of Oklahoma, Kentucky,,, and TTennessee; .and .Special Aide de Camp, Lieutenant Colonel on the Staff of Governor Lester Maddox of Georgia.

SixOf Claude's Top Billboard and Cashbox Hits, (27 Total) there are
three Million sellers! Here are five of the Top Ten.

I'll Just Have A Cup of Coffee, Then I'll Go.............. Mercury Records *
I Never Had The One That I Wanted..................... .......Decca/Mca Records
My Ears Should Burn When Fools Are Talked About....Mercury Records
Too Many Rivers To Cross................................................................ .Columbia Records
The Family Bible.........................................................................................".D" (United Artists) *
How Fast them Trucks Can Go.............................................Decca/MCA Records.*
If I Ever Need A Lady, I'll Call You...................................................Decca/MCA

Claude has a total of 13 Albums on the Mercury, Decca/MCA, and Independent labels.