Your West Midlands Wedding - April/May (Issue 79)

Meet Dayton Grey from Dayton Music UK 07946 336 061 | www.daytongrey.co.uk Dayton Grey UK first started in 2013, when I was 32. I initially performed as part of a duo named Domino with my close friend Helen Hale. I was surprised to find myself so at home on stage, and I soon gained confidence. In 2014, I performed my first wedding as a soloist. The feeling was like no other! Eager to explore my place in the industry, I took part in several wedding fairs. Things took off quickly, and all subsequent bookings came from recommendations, guests from previous weddings, social media, or TV shows. Then the pandemic hit. The impact on our amazing industry was devastating. It didn’t just affect suppliers financially. Weddings planned by couples for years were suddenly, and heartbreakingly, cancelled and rescheduled only to be cancelled again. My wife and I spent countless hours consoling devastated couples, rearranging their original suppliers and being a soundboard during difficult times. As a supplier, my wife and I become emotionally invested in each couple’s special day. Being chosen is such an honour, one we never take for granted. Throughout the process, we create great relationships with the couples, so they feel like they are speaking to a trusted friend, rather than a service provider. I’m often rebooked to sing and DJ at their future christenings, birthdays and anniversaries. In 2021, I was awarded Wedding Musical Act of the Year in the West Midlands by The Wedding Industry Awards. Being my first time nominated, winning was a huge surprise! I have just received the same award for a second consecutive year. In addition to performing covers, I write and record original music. My debut single raised over £4000 for Fibromyalgia Action UK, and two recent collaborations with writer/producer Alex Lloyd went straight to number one in the Amazon Music charts. During the first lockdown, I was approached to be the male lead of a new national theatre show, Endless Love. Our opening show in February at The Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, was incredible. Phenomenal vocalist, Leanne Sandy performs Diana Ross’ songs while I present Lionel Richie’s hits. Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to share the stage on several occasions with Ray Lewis, former lead singer of The Drifters, invited to be an industry expert judge on BBC1’s All Together Now, and performed as a mystery singer on BBC1’s I Can See Your Voice. I recently appeared on ITV’s new primetime show, Starstruck. I can provide the perfect music for your ceremony, ambience for your pre-drinks and/or wedding breakfast and fun-filled evening reception! Additionally, I offer a DJ service to ensure your entertainment flows flawlessly, so, you can be assured that you are in safe hands! 46

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