Inspired by a musically inclined family, Robert Gray defines himself as an adult contemporary artist. In 1977 the singer-songwriter took to the stage. Over two decades later he has achieved his life-long dream of publishing a professional full-length album: Up Until Now.

Music has always been a part of Gray's life. The 37-year-old was influenced from a young age by the music his father played nightly. His grandmother sang and played the guitar, inspiring young Gray's musical direction.

At the age of 15, he was lead singer of The Zoo, a rock band made up of Essex high school students. After three years, he left the group for the already established area band, T.H.E., who frequented bars and country high schools.

Tired of the bar scene and ready for a change, Gray left T.H.E. in 1982. He enrolled at St. Clair College, where studies in Plastic Technology led him to a eight-year stint at Chrysler.

"I'm the type of person that needs to be challenged and do new things," Gray says. For the past nine years he has worked as a regional line maintainer for Ontario Hydro. He's never shocked, and with the high voltage he works with he says that's a good thing. Every day is serious but he enjoys the job despite the danger.

After years of concentrating on family, he returned to performing. "I realized how important music was in my life." He began playing Saturday mornings in front of Dale Butler, owner of Dale's Music Room in Leamington. Encouraged by Butler, the Robert Gray Project came to life. The six-track cassette sold over 500 copies locally and received considerable media attention.

After a CBC interview and a half-hour feature on the Cogeco Cable show Soundtrax, Gray recorded Up Until Now. He enlisted the aid of friend and producer, Norm MacPherson, with whom he'd appeared on Soundtrax. MacPherson's help proved invaluable during the 14-month recording process. His wife, Debbie, has supported him from the beginning. "Excellent idea," she told him. "Go and record." Up Until Now has sold over 250 copies since its recent release.

Professionally mastered, Up Until Now features a variety of musical styles. The music he writes is about everyday life and living with a positive attitude. "I write about what I experience. Sometimes I'm driving in the Hydro truck and it just comes to me. That's what I like about songwriting."

He wants people to listen to his CD and feel better about life.

Part of Me, a country-style song about the birth of his youngest daughter, Jenna, is getting airplay on CHYR radio. He can be seen in person at selected Windsor and Leamington entertainment venues and his CD is available at HMV, Sam the Record Man and selected country locations.

"This is a two-year project. I'll promote it this summer, then record another album this winter, while continuing to promote Up Until Now." Gray seems content with his success. "I've accomplished my goal – for now."