As a youngster, Ray made weekly appearances on Radio Stations K.A.L.E. & K.P.O.J. in a youth talent show called the Journal Juniors. From about age 14 through his early 20's Ray was a member of Arkie & His Jolly Cowboys, the most popular country-dance band in the Northwest during late 1940-50's. They were the house band at the Division Street Corral, located at Southeast 171st and Division, in Portland, Oregon. Ray also played with Tommy Kizziah's West Coast Ramblers at this same venue. Arkie & His Jolly Cowboys were featured performers in the studios of KXL Radio and participated in a promotion for Fender Guitars. They even made live radio broadcasts from the bandstand of the Division Street Corral.

Ray Montee was a personal friend, supporter, and fan of Steel Guitar Hall of Fame Legend, Jerry Byrd. In 2004 Ray established the “unofficial” Jerry Byrd Fan Club web site. To read more about Ray and Jerry please visit the site at http://www.jerrybyrd-fanclub.com