Country music star Collin Raye to perform Saturday at Renaissance Theatre

A country music star with 16 No. 1 hits to his credit will take the Renaissance Theatre stage this weekend.

Collin Raye will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. With 24 Top 10 hits and 10 male vocalist of the year nominations, Raye is known for soulful, heartfelt material that he delivers with honesty and richness.

"We're truly fortunate to have Collin Raye gracing our stage with his music," said Chelsie Thompson, Renaissance president and CEO. "He is a master of storytelling through his countless hit singles that have touched hearts across the nation, and now it's our turn to experience his heartfelt legacy right here in our community."

Raye was one of the top country hitmakers in the 1990s. Known for chart-topping songs such as "Love, Me," "In This Life," "Not That Different" and "If I Were You," Raye's music has become synonymous with meaningful and emotional moments.

His songs are frequently featured in weddings, anniversaries, memorial services and funerals. His anthem, "Little Rock," led to more than 100,000 calls to Alcoholics Anonymous.

A native of Arkansas, Raye shot to fame in 1991 with "Love, Me."

"Not That Different" is a song that pleads for tolerance. "I Think About You" won awards for its song and video that exposed the exploitation of women and children.

In addition to being a musician, Raye is a humanitarian

Beyond Raye's musical contributions, he has consistently used his voice to support various social causes. Over the years, he has been involved with such organizations as Boys Town, the Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDs, Easter Seals and many more.

In 2001, Raye received the Country Music Radio Seminar's Humanitarian of the Year award, gaining recognition for his commitment to using his platform for positive change.

In 2010, following the loss of his 10-year-old granddaughter, Raye and his daughter, Brittany, established the Haley Bell Blessed Chair Foundation to honor her memory.

The foundation supports and assists families of the cognitively and physically disabled with an emphasis on supplying wheelchairs and other necessary medical equipment to improve the lives of disabled people in need.

Raye released his autobiography, "That's My Story: The Undefeated Life of Collin Raye," in early 2014. He resides in Nashville, Tennessee, with his daughter and granddaughter.

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419-521-7219

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If you go

What: Collin Raye concert

Where: Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Avenue West

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Tickets: $15 to $40

More information: Visit www.rentickets.org or contact the Renaissance box office at 419-522-2726. The box office is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Renaissance Theatre to host country music star Collin Raye