Raymond
Raymond Boyce, Gospel Saxophonist, was born in Covington, TN – located outside of Memphis, TN. Raymond suffered with asthma during most of his childhood years. The asthma became so severe that breathing treatments administered at home via a breathing machine, were not always sufficient to relieve his discomfort. Unfortunately, this required him to make frequent trips to the hospital, which resulted in being confined to an oxygen tent – only being able to leave it for a few minutes at a time. It became Raymond's playhouse – his "little Indian Teepee."
Frequent hospitalizations made it hard for Raymond to regularly attend school. When he had the strength to go, he was only permitted to attend classes. Recess was off limits (per his parents' orders). Thus, through the windows, he watched the other children play. What an ordeal for a little boy!
Raymond had become shy and withdrawn. He was afraid to speak in class. Because he couldn't speak well, teachers felt he had a learning disability. Thus, he was placed in Special Education classes. This really put a damper on Raymond's spirits. He was often sad and felt he didn't fit in with other children his age.
Raymond's parents, Napoleon and Willie Boyce, had always instilled in Raymond and his siblings the Christian way of life. Napoleon, Raymond's father, was a singing Deacon in the church who led the Praise Service on Sunday mornings. While his mother Willie, sang in the church choir. They taught their children to believe in the healing power of God. Raymond's parents often cried out to God, praying for his healing. Many times, they laid him on the altar at church and the saints prayed for his healing.
Raymond began to not believe in God because he was still sick. He told his parents that God could not be real. Raymond asked, " If God is real, why am I still sick? Why would he let a little boy suffer so bad? The only reason I'm still living is because I'm so strong. God may be good for y'all but for me, I can't see it". Raymond's mother told him that he had to stop complaining and trust in God anyway. She told him, "Before you know it, God is going to heal you one day".
When Raymond was in the fifth grade, his teacher offered a prize to the student in class who was the quietest. Of course Raymond, who was always quiet, won the prize. The prize was a recording of B.B. King. Raymond loved the recording so much that he never stopped playing it. B.B. King made the guitar sound like a voice. Raymond's bout with asthma left him too weak to sing, so inspired by B.B. King's melodic strings, he wanted to play the guitar. Guitar lessons were not offered in schools at that time so Raymond wanted the next instrument that would sound like a human voice. So, he chose the saxophone. While still unable to barely breathe, Raymond asked his parents for a saxophone. They told him "No", because he didn't have the breath to blow a saxophone. Raymond told them that if they bought him one, he wouldn't get sick. As a child, he truly believed this. His parents still said, "No" and his mother assured him that God was going to heal him one day so he can play the saxophone.
Years later, while in the kitchen one day, Raymond heard his neighbor "blowing" on a saxophone. A few days later, curious Raymond asked his mother if he could visit the neighbor to see his saxophone. While there, Raymond convinced his neighbor to sell the saxophone to him (since the neighbor had lost interest in it). His neighbor sold it to him for $10.00. He agreed to let Raymond pay $5.00 deposit and pay the remaining $5.00 at a later date. Raymond was excited and rushed home with his saxophone. Raymond pulled the saxophone out of the case and blew one note. That one note took his breath away and he fell to the floor. His parents rushed him to the hospital.
Upon his return home, Raymond was not allowed to blow the saxophone. He could only look at it; admire it; and hope that he would have the strength to play it one day. He said that if he ever learned to play, he didn't "want to play in nobody's church". His mother said, "Raymond, God's not going to heal you for nothing. Always remember, only what you do for Christ will last".
Raymond's asthma became so bad that he began to pray for God's healing himself. He felt so strongly that he told God, "If you will heal me, I will learn how to play the saxophone for you". God heard Raymond's cry and the healing process began.
While in the eight grade, Raymond brought his saxophone to school and showed up for band tryouts. He was told that his saxophone (that he had bought from his neighbor) was no good. So, Raymond was not able to "tryout". By the end of the school year, his parents had a change of heart and decided to get Raymond a saxophone. By the beginning of his ninth grade year, he was able to join the band. He learned to play the saxophone.
Raymond continued to press on throughout his high school years. He had learned to play the saxophone well. He and his musically talented sister and brothers often participated in the musical events of various churches.
After graduating from High School, Raymond moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Raymond went back on his word and refused to play for God. He played Jazz and R&B in a variety of musical venues, in many cities throughout the United States. But, God continued to beckon to Raymond.
Raymond served as Minister of Music and Choir Director at various churches. In addition, he was the featured artist in many churches, theater performances, and community events. Raymond wrote and produced several songs and performed with many renowned gospel artists.
As Raymond's trials and tribulations became stronger, he realized that he had been called to complete a work in Christ. But even though music was his first love, he was an astute businessman. Thus, he was torn between playing the saxophone for God and striving to be a successful businessman. Raymond told God that he would play for him after he had a made a million dollars. God spoke to Raymond and told him that he hadn't spared his life for nothing. He said, 'You will never be successful until you do what I called you to do'. Raymond still refused to heed to God's calling. He went through more trials and tests and saw tougher times as God tried to get his attention.
Raymond finally surrendered and decided to fully dedicate his life to God. God called him to minister on the saxophone. His debut CD entitled, "Anyway You Bless Me", is a testimony of how God healed him. It offers and array of musical styles from traditional songs like "I Won't Complain" and "Goin' Up Yonder" to contemporary songs like "Shelter in the Storm" and "Time to Pray".
God has begun to open many doors for Raymond's music ministry. Raymond travels throughout the country giving his testimony and showing how God has anointed him to play Gospel music on the saxophone. Many have been touched and blessed by his testimony and his music. Raymond's desire is that his music will reach people of all ages and walks of life.
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