“Dual threat.”
That’s what ESPN called Kolby Gray in 2009, based on his running and passing ability as the #28-ranked high school quarterback in the nation.
That distinction is certainly still applicable to Gray, who originally suited up for the University of Pittsburg, but has now transferred to Baylor University in his home state of Texas.
He’s still a double threat on the field, but it’s his electric personality and vocal ability garnering attention for him off the field – specifically in Nashville, where he’s recording his first album.
When a college player transfers to another Division I school, it’s mandatory that they sit out a season, which works well for Gray’s burgeoning singing career. “It would be very hard to be doing two-a-days and recording an album,” says the multi-tasking Texan.
Many singers come to Nashville each year to “make it.” It’s extremely rare for one to attract the producing talents of David and Dann Huff, as well as the songs of writers like Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, Lee Brice, Neil Thrasher, Frank Meyers, and Jason Sellers.
Debra Byrd, who has served as the head vocal coach for American Idol throughout the life of the heralded talent series, traveled to Nashville to work with Gray when he cut his record at Starstruck. “David Huff brought Kolby to me, and I immediately found that he was a quick study,” said Byrd, who has coached every Idol winner, including Carrie Underwood and Scotty McCreary. “I like to meet an artist where they are, and I found Kolby more than ready to record this project they had planned. I’ve really enjoyed watching him discover his own talent. And he is so talented.”