Real-Life Song About School Bullies Exemplifies Responsibility, Compassion and Forgiveness
Song's Theme Still Remains Timely 25 Years Later
Nashville, TN (PRWEB) May 10, 2005
When Lee Domann and Howard Ray were in the seventh grade in Oskaloosa, Kansas, they were involved in what unfortunately occurs across the United States every day. Ray was the target of ridicule by his classmates, including Domann, and those encounters impacted Domann's conscience long into adulthood. In 1980, Domann wrote the song, "Howard Gray," a true story of the cruelty Ray endured at school while growing up economically poor in the American heartland.
The song is as pertinent today as it was 25-years ago. Reaching beyond age and culture, "Howard Gray" has been used for a Martin Luther King birthday celebration in Raleigh, North Carolina; Gloria Gaither has been a huge advocate of the song, including it in her lectures; and after the 2001 shootings at Santana High School in Santee, California, in the Maryland community where convicted gunman Andy Williams lived before moving to California, the pastor included the song in a sermon to help heal the deep grief of congregation members who knew Williams and his family.
First recorded by the Southern gospel group Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters (Word Records 1986), "Howard Gray" has been recorded by over 20 artists and used as a focus in a multitude of teaching and learning settings. The song's largest exposure so far has been through the Bishops, a bluegrass group that included "Howard Gray" on their album "Kentucky Bluegrass," which won a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association in 1999.
After "Howard Gray" began getting airplay, Domann learned that the real Howard Gray (Howard Ray) - - who had dropped out of school as a result of the ostracism - - was living in Topeka, Kansas. He sent Ray a letter and included a copy of the song, letting him know about the healing effect the song has had for people. Three years later, Ray honored Domann by showing up at his father's funeral. "The funeral was over and people were starting to file out of the church. I turned around and saw Howard standing there" says Domann. "Then I turned to my wife and said, 'Norma, Howard is here,' and she squeezed my hand and said, 'I think you've been forgiven.'"
Since that time, a 15-minute video titled, "Through the Eyes of Howard Gray" (which includes the song "Howard Gray" followed by a dialogue between Domann and Ray as adults) was produced by elementary classroom specialist, workshop trainer and musician David Levine. The video is used in public schools in conjunction with a curriculum to develop social skills and build social responsibility in young people called "The Road Best Traveled," developed by Levine and his company, People on Board. The video is also used with a multi-option study guide for churches, developed by Domann and his wife, Norma Wimberly, "God Knows, God Forgives: The Story of Howard Gray."
In "Through the Eyes of Howard Gray," Ray confesses to Domann that he "cried a little bit" when he first heard the song, but he is happy with how the song has helped so many people. The former classmates, now in their 50's, stay in touch. Ray is challenged with health problems and Domann makes sure that Ray receives a portion of the royalties from "Howard Gray."
"Howard Gray" is included on Domann's newest CD, "Songs For Ebby T.". To hear a sample of the song, visit http://www. LeeDomann. com (http://www. LeeDomann. com).
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