Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sheldon-Ray's love for the performing arts began in the fifth grade when he auditioned for a role in a class play. Immediately impressed by his ability to channel the vibe of contemporary and traditional artists alike, school staff asked him to portray a different musician every year. Seeing the joy on people's faces when he performed, Sheldon Ray was overjoyed and used every possible opportunity to have his voice heard. From singing in his church, he began to incorporate gospel vocal intonations with his own sound and a unique style of music was created. Sheldon-Ray is determined to brand his own genre of music combining soul, funk, and jazz. His voice embodies the power of gospel, the energy of funk while simultaneously infusing the smooth melodious yet spontaneous elements of jazz.

Having performed for American Idol, America's Got Talent, X-Factor, The Voice and at the Apollo Theater for BET's hit show Apollo Live, Sheldon-Ray was also featured as a print model for InGear magazine. A graduate of Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development, Sheldon went on to attend FiveTowns College where he studied music business, jazz composition and musical theatre. After a brief tour of the off broadway play "Your Arms are too Short to Box with God", he began focusing more and more on his craft. He is currently working on his very first live album and giving voice lessons in his spare time.

Though diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, Sheldon Ray shows no signs of slowing down, but rather serves as an advocate for others battling the disease.