LISA GAY, vocalist, 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. Lisa sang first soprano in the choir and continued her singing at Hamilton High School in Madrigals.  While attending Pitzer College, Lisa majored in Education, and sang in the Claremont College Choir, and she decided to pursue a singing career.

Her amateur experience (1975-1978) includes 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.” Soon she began her work as a background singer for Letta Mbulu of “Roots” soundtrack fame at A&M Records, produced by Herb Alpert, and opened for Minnie Ripperton.  After touring with Letta, and studying under Voice Master, Dini Clarke, she recorded on sessions which included Joe Cocker.  In 1978, she went on a worldwide tour with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. as lead backup vocalist, with the first show being in Las Vegas at The Sands Hotel in “The Copa Room.”  They also made major television appearances on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” “The Merv Griffin Show,” and “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.

Lisa’s musicals experiences led her to write and produce her own CD Project Releases “Watch What Happens,” “Favorite Things,” and “Somewhere In My Lifetime” with her husband, guitarist Tony Drake and Master Violinist Mark Cargill.  She launched the group on tour. “Lisa Gay and The Gentlemen of Thrill’s Living Room Show” sonic experience of Classic Soul/Jazz and Pop for many venues, special events, concerts, and political events, including as his musical headliner, the 2005 worldwide televised primary of now Mayor Antonio Villariagosa. Along with performing for non-profit events for AIDS, seniors, educational, and environmental causes, Lisa has been a featured singer in AFTRA and Songwriter Showcases in Los Angeles.

Since arriving in Las Vegas, Lisa’s Coave Music Company has successfully produced events that has brought LIVE! “Music In A Class of Its Own,” capturing audiences with her smooth, yet powerful tones and riffs showcasing a unique style like no other, reminiscent of “Young Ella” Fitzgerald, “Divine One” Sarah Vaughn, and Phyllis Hyman, that blends Jazz, Classic Soul, Pop, and American Standards backed by the sonic sounds of the incredible musicianship of “Tony Drake and The Gentlemen of Thrill Band.” Currently, the group is headlining at “The Foundation Room,” Orleans, Artisan, and other show venues.