Ray Chew

Revered as a true professional and beloved by countless entertainers, Ray Chew has been at the helm of award-winning musical events—live and televised—performing with genre-crossing artists that include Alicia Keys, Sting, Rihanna, Prince, Jennifer Hudson, James Taylor, Barry Manilow, Jennifer Holliday, the Four Tops, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Costello, Smokey Robinson, Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, Aretha Franklin, and Quincy Jones. In addition to being a Hollywood staple for musical events, Chew’s work behind the scenes includes a long recording career with top-selling artists, as well as film and television scoring.

World renowned musician, composer, and producer, Chew has served as musical director for network television series including NBC’s The Singing Bee, Showtime at the Apollo, and BET’s Sunday Best. Chew was recently at the helm of the second annual BET Honors, preparing musical tributes to Magic Johnson, Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige, Judith Jamison, B. Smith, and Congressman James E. Clyburn. Chew performed in tribute to these honorees with Ne-Yo, Queen Latifah, Keyshia Cole, Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone, Yolanda Adams, and Anita Baker.

At an important milestone in the nation’s history, Chew was chosen to be the musical director for the Inaugural Neighborhood Ball television special, where the President and First Lady shared their first dance. Chew performed with some of the entertainment industry’s brightest stars at the celebration, including Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Sting, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, and Beyoncé. He also directed an amazing all-star tribute to the President, featuring Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Will.i.am, Faith Hill, and Jamie Foxx with Stevie Wonder performing “Sign, Sealed, Delivered.”

Chew was also at the helm as musical director for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, leading his orchestra through all four days of the convention, including the culminating events at Invesco Field.

Chew’s vast recording career includes working with timeless artists such as Diana Ross, Donny Hathaway, and Alicia Keys. His signature sound can be found on Lil’ Wayne’s chart-topping album Tha Carter III in “Comfortable,” a track produced by Kanye West, featuring Babyface. He has orchestrated for and appeared on many television specials, including the Grammy Awards, VH1’s Save the Music Concert, MTV Unplugged, the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, and the World Music Awards. Chew also appeared with Grammy Award–winner Rihanna in six countries as pianist and conductor in performances of her hit “Unfaithful.” Chew’s largest orchestrating work to date was for The Diary of Alicia Keys farewell tour performance at LA’s Hollywood Bowl, where he conducted a 63-piece orchestra for a special DVD presentation, to be released later this year.

When not on stage, Chew serves as a National Trustee for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, where he is also on the education and diversity committees. But it’s at his state-of-the-art recording studio, Vision House, where Chew prepares for upcoming performances; pens one-of-a-kind scores; and produces music for film, television, and various artist recordings.

Ray Chew is a BMI recording artist represented by the William Morris Agency.