While the definition of success has evolved over time, taking on new nuances and no longer equating to wealth and money, the recipe has remained, more or less, the same. To this date, passion, dedication, and ambition continue to serve integral roles in people’s ability to translate their dreams into reality. Without them, go-getters are more likely not only to run out of steam in the long run but also fall short of their goals. Given his deep-seated love for music, all-out attitude toward making a name for himself, and clear-cut vision of evolving into a standout artist, it’s not surprising why many have bet on the career of Marcus Ethan Gonzalez II, a rising musician better known as Marty Lee McCray.
Although he’s still carving his own path toward the forefront of the music industry and is yet to demonstrate his full potential, much is expected of Marty Lee McCray. The West Texas-raised personality is the great-grandson of Wiley Burle McCray, the “world’s greatest rodeo clown” in the Rodeo Hall of Fame. He graduated from Lubbock High School, studied commercial music at South Plains College, and has been in the music scene for years now.
A former metal and rock singer, Marty Lee McCray is currently dipping his toes into Texas country music, all in pursuit of his passion for playing and performing for people and in the hopes of seeing his grandfather’s words come to fruition. “My grandpa, Pete Gonzalez, always told me that I was meant to be a star,” he shared. “He recently passed away, and his loss lit a fire under me like no other to see his words put into action.” Before trying his hand at this genre, he spent years performing in the metal bands Hail to Arms and Awakened in Ruins.
On top of playing in several states with his bandmates, Marty Lee McCray has also opened for many national acts, including Mudvayne, Suicide Silence, Bury Your Dead, STATIC X, Unearth, War of Ages 2x, Hed PE, DeD, and KISSING KANDICE. Capitalizing on this extensive experience and banking on the confidence he’s built while on stage, he’s ready to sing to bigger audiences and introduce his artistry to the masses.
It is undeniable that the competition in the country music scene is tough and bound to get more competitive with the influx of aspirants wishing to secure a spot in the limelight. Amid the challenge posed by this saturation of the music industry, Marty Lee McCray intends to reach great heights and prove that the summit can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, including a hardworking blue-collar man who loves to provide for his family.
Right now, the passion-fueled artist, who is known for sharing his experiences through music and writing meaningful and relatable tracks that resonate with his listeners, is gearing for the release of “Ask for Help,” a promising single recorded at Amusement Park Studios in Lubbock, Texas by sound engineer Gunner Driver, current drummer for Grant Gilbert. Scheduled to hit major platforms this month, the song is set to showcase what Marty Lee McCray can bring to the table.
