Ray Johnston: A survivor
June 25th, 2010 at 8:17 am
The Ray Johnston Band
The chance of Ray Johnston — a walk-on player at the University of Alabama — playing in the NBA did not look good.
Improbably, after months in a gym long after his college playing days were over, Johnston attended an open tryout for the Dallas Mavericks and made the team.
But there was a more important battle for Johnston as his career as a basketball player was cut short. The chances of Johnston surviving leukemia were perhaps even worse.
Doctors put him in a medically induced coma. Now, four relapses and the amputation of seven of his toes later, Johnston is a survivor.
And, he’s pursuing the second most important thing to him (behind basketball): music.
Johnston formed a band after his hospital stay, and has worked hard to make that his new career. His band last year released its debut album, “Sweet Tooth,” and has played regional club circuit, including once previously at George’s Majestic Lounge.
Johnston comes to Fayetteville this weekend to support a cause near and dear to him: leukemia research. He performs as part of the Ryan Gibson Foundation’s local fundraiser.
Johnston chatted with me about not giving up, about finding his music voice and about what he tells those fighting against the ravages of leukemia.
You can read the story on our website if you are subscriber to our print product or its online products.
Also, Johnston and his tour is the subject of a new HD Net series called “Road Diaries.” See the trailer for that show below:
