Percy E. Gray Jr. 2005 STELLAR AWARD WINNER and Grammy, Dove Award Nominee is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He is considered to be one of the nation’s most outstanding gospel music producers and songwriters.  To his record, he has written over 200 songs. The music of Percy E. Gray Jr. can be heard daily, as his music is in heavy rotation on major gospel radio stations throughout the country.  His music ministry encompasses the “Sunday Morning” church services to the hip-hop contemporary blends that are descriptive of today’s young contemporary groups.  Many describe him as being a humble man who has proven to be dedicated to the ministry of gospel music.

Percy’s commitment to excellence inspired him to record his first choir, The Voices of Christ. The first recording entitled “I’m Going with Jesus” (1983) was the beginning of many more recordings to come. The Voices of Christ experienced several transitional periods which resulted in several name changes that included: “Voices”, “Scripture”. and “Chapter Ministry Singers”. In 1994, Jeral V. Gray, Sr. organized “New Direction” and Percy serves as the Spiritual Advisor for the choir. Under the leadership of Percy and Jeral Gray, New Direction was the first group under the “Grayboy” production company to sign with a major record label (Word Records) and achieve national recognition (Grammy, Stellar and Dove nominations).

Percy exemplifies the “family” spirit and believes that family should encourage each other. From this concept evolved the Praise II Choir, which originally composed of three choirs (organized by family members): Righteous Living (Anthony “Tony” Tidwell), Chapter Ministry Singers (Percy E. Gray, Jr.), and New Direction (Jeral V. Gray Sr.).

As time progressed, the choir expanded to include members from all over the city of Chicago. Under Percy’s guidance, Praise II has released three recordings.  

Percy has proven to be dedicated to the youth and has accepted his latest challenge, Minister of Music for Joshua’s Troop.  He serves as a mentor for many young songwriters, directors, musicians and aspiring producers. There are many young people who have experienced the words of wisdom and tutelage of Percy E. Gray, Jr. He is truly considered to be a “living Legend.”

Percy has always had the support and prayers of his family. His parents, Deacon Percy Gray Sr. and Mother Jerlen Gray are his spiritual advisors.  He is the husband of Regina Gray and the proud father of Stacy, Reggie, and Brittney; and will always cherish the memory of his eldest son, the late Percy E. Gray III (Trae). Percy’s vision to organize a scholarship fund in memory of his son became a reality with the February 2003 fundraising banquet for the Trae’s Scholarship Fund. Percy currently serves as director for the Combined Choirs of the Fellowship M.B. Church, where Rev. Charles Jenkins is the Pastor. He is also the Vice President of Music of the Chicago Mass Choir.

Percy has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions: 2005 Stellar Award Winner (New Direction Choir of the Year). 1993 Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Award (Traditional Category: “I can go to the Rock”),Grammy Award Nominations: 1994, 1996, 2001, 2002 and 2003: Stellar Award Nominations: 2000, 2002 and 2003; Dove Award Nominations: 1998 and 1999: 1997 10th Annual ECC Music and Workshop—Songwriter of the year Award: 1999 AARC Award—Songwriter of the year and Minister of music (Youth Division); 2000 AARC Award—Youth Choir Producer; 2002 K-Mart Sponsored Gospel Insider Music Award.

Percy Has written for gospel recording artists throughput the country (i.e. Chicago Mass Choir, Mississippi Mass Choir, Rev. Milton Brunson & the Thompson Community Singers, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Dorothy Norwood, New Direction,  Beverly Crawford, the Late Orlando Draper and the Associates, Rev Charles Hayes and the Cosmopolitan Church Choir, Albertina Walker, Reed’s Temple, Lamar Campbell, Clay Evans, DeAndre Patterson, Lemmie Battles, Jessie Dixon, Lonnie Hunter, Joshua’s Troop—just to name a few).  As one of the top-sought after producers, his producer’s credits include, but are not limited to: New Direction, Joshua’s Troop, Praise II, Chapter Ministry Singers, Chicago Mass Choir, Reed Temple, Rev. Steve Jones & Praise Tabernacle, Lemmie Battles, Adrian King and Reverence, and Rev. Milton Brunson’s Thompson Community Singers.

Percy has proven his commitment to the ministry of gospel music and has touched the lives of “millions” of people throughout the world with his anointed and uplifting music. Very few writers can say the God has anointed them to write over “200” songs that have been able to bless people throughout the world.