Rayse Biggs

Rayse is an accomplished musician with deep roots. He was born on May 7 in Detroit, Michigan to Willie and Thelma Biggs the third of five children. He was educated in the Detroit Public School System, attending Chadsey High School. He majored in music at Oakland University in Michigan.

Being a performer has always been in his blood. He was frequently called upon at family gatherings to entertain them by dancing and performing skits. Rayse is actually quite a jokester. The family piano in the living room was the beginning of his musical career. His brother, Travis, is an accomplished violinist and Rayse loved his musical skills. Although he did not play the violin, Rayse found his place in music with the trumpet and flugle horn. He is also an exceptional drummer and pianist.

Rayse's gift of music was recognized in his teens. The Motown Review was in full swing and he traveled with them playing the trumpet for The Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandella's and Smokey Robinson to name a few. Being in such great musical company allowed him to meet and perform with other musical greats, such as B.B. King and Sonny Stitt. His music has taken him to Africa, Europe, Australia, Japan and other wonderful places around the world. Even though he was performing with others, he formed his own group that continues to be in demand today and is hot on the Detroit jazz scene.

His skills as an exceptional trumpeter are continuously being recognized. Rayse has received local and national commendations and proclamations for his contribution to music, specifically to jazz. He is a member of the Detroit Federation of Musicians and was recently honored for his thirty years of membership. Rayse continues to be sought out to accompany other artist, whether it is recording and/or performing with Kidd Rock, Fred Hammond, Alexander Zonjic or Kem. He has been referred to as a Trumpeter Extraordinaire. His flurry and range of notes on the trumpet and flugle horn are astonishing but even more so is his dual horn playing to say the least!

During his musical development Rayse also became a proficient composer and arranger. Again, working with some of the previous mentioned artists. All the songs on his upcoming CD, For The Love of It, were composed and arranged by him.

Though his musical schedule is full, he still is a mentor to many while still making time for his family of one son and two daughters.

His hobby of bodybuilding, healthy living and encouraging others to live a healthy lifestyle are also very important to him. Last but not least, his belief in Faith and Spirit keep him motivated. Show less