Friendship

Ray could sing anything, and was especially interested in the country music genre. 'Friendship' reached the number-one position on the Billboard's Country chart and remained there for 70 weeks. The album was "a big hit, really the last genuine hit when 'Brother Ray' was alive", as well as "the pinnacle of his '80s country-pop records, the one where Ray truly captured the sound of the era". Hank Jr. sparks Rays' bluesy side, the Oak Ridge Boys back him with gospel harmonies, and Ricky Skaggs adds a taste of high-and-lonesome. Two bonus tracks added: a pair of later duets to the original ten tracks, "Everybody Has the Blues" with Tony Bennett, and "Baby Grand" with Billy Joel.