1957
Lisa Gay was born in Los Angeles, California on March 21, 1957 to a musical family. Lisa’s musical interests began at Coliseum Elementary School where she played the Cello, Ukulele, Guitar and Percussion.
1975
Her amateur experience (1975-1978) include working in the Black Circuit clubs of Los Angeles, performing as a soloist and background singer in venues with such renowned jazz artists as Joe Williams. From this experience, she was hired as a studio background singer with her first session being with Bass legend Chuck Rainey, Drummer James Gadson and the Late Keyboard and Arranger Richard Tee from the first original Saturday Night Live group, The “Stuff Band”.
1978
In May, of 1978, Lisa went on tour with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., as Lead Backup Vocalist touring with them worldwide, the first show being in Las Vegas at The Sands Hotel in “The Copa Room”and along with touring, major television appearances on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”, “The Merv Griffin Show”, “The Mike Douglas Show”. Lisa also had the opportunity to be a part of several movie scores one of which included working with the acclaimed Grammy Award Winning “Waters Family” Singers Maxine, Julia and Oren Waters.
2010
Since arriving in Las Vegas from Los Angeles 9 years ago with her Legendary Guitarist Husband, Tony Drake, Songstress Lisa Gay successfully created music events that has brought LIVE! Sounds of Classic Jazz n’ Soul with “Music In A Class of Its Own”( that included creation of the original Jazz venue at Alexis Park Resort, Las Vegas). Lisa captures audiences with her smooth, yet powerful tones and riffs showcasing a unique style like no other reminiscent of “Young Ella” Fitzgerald, “Divine One” Sarah Vaughan, Phyllis Hyman and Nancy Wilson. Lisa has toured with Marilyn Mcoo and Billy Davis Jr., Joe Cocker, South Africa’s Letta Mbulu and worked as a Background Singer at A&M Records during the record company’s historic legacy.
2012
In Las Vegas, Lisa has been honored in 2012 for “Excellence In Entertainment, Lounge Performer of The Year”. Along with her band, “Lisa Gay, Tony Drake and The Gentlemen of Thrill Band”, were also honored by Entertainer Consumers Exchange Award as Winner for 2014 Best Urban Jazz Lounge Band, and the “Sweet Louie Award” for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment.
2014
also honored by Entertainer Consumers Exchange Award as Winner for 2014 Best Urban Jazz Lounge Band, and the “Sweet Louie Award” for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment.
2015
Since Tony Drake’s passing in 2015, Lisa continues to carry on Tony’s great legacy of 54 years (Lou Rawls, Della Reese, Aretha Franklin, Count Basie, Ray Charles Orchestras and more) in the music business while creating a new exciting one of her own.
2018
Lisa Gay, Co-Produced with Jonathan Scott “Guitars In Heaven” Show at Harrah’s Las Vegas, April 25, 2018, honoring Tony Drake with all proceeds going to Veterans Transition Resource Center that featured Las Vegas Headliners Clint Holmes, Frankie Scinta, The Bronx Wanderers, Jason Tenner (Prince Tribute Show), Paul Shortino and great Las Vegas local Performers. Lisa has also been a regular host on the popular Sun City Anthem TV Show, “Anthem Alive”, a musical guest on ABC’s Las Vegas “Morning Blend”, “The Dennis Bono Show” at South Point Hotel and the popular “Spotlight Spectacular” events held at The Orleans and Texas Stations dedicated to Senior Health Services.
