What is singer-comedian Ray Stevens up to?
—Richard Head, Abilene, Texas
The Clarkdale, Ga., native, 73, spent the past two years producing a 108-song box set of laughs, The Encyclopedia of Recorded Comedy Music, which includes about 20 of his own hits, including “The Streak,” “Gitarzan” and “Shriner’s Convention,” plus more than seven dozen decade-spanning, rib-tickling gems from other artists. “I put together a comprehensive collection that could have a long shelf life and be a go-to source for comedy recordings,” says Stevens, who continues to write and record in his Nashville, Tenn., studio. The Grammy-winner for “Misty” and “Everything Is Beautiful” still has his own band and will perform about 20 concerts this year.
