DanaHaynes's Music Collectibles 4-7 Sugar Ray
Sugar Ray is an American rock band formed in Newport Beach, California, in 1992. Originally known as "The Shrinky Dinks," the band first gained attention in the mid-'90s with their blend of pop rock, alternative, and funk influences. The group was initially composed of lead vocalist Mark McGrath, guitarist Rodney Sheppard, bassist Murphy Karges, and drummer Stan Frazier. Their breakthrough came with the release of their third album, Floored (1997), which featured the hit singles "Fly" and "Rhyme Stealer." "Fly," with its laid-back, breezy vibe and catchy chorus, became a major radio hit and helped the band establish themselves as a staple of the late '90s pop-rock scene. Sugar Ray's sound continued to evolve with subsequent albums, incorporating elements of pop, reggae, and even hip-hop, making them a versatile presence in mainstream music.
Their follow-up album, 14:59 (1999), solidified their place in pop culture, with the hit "Every Morning" becoming one of their most successful tracks. The band's success continued throughout the early 2000s, but by the mid-2000s, Sugar Ray began to experiment with a variety of musical styles and slowed down their recording pace. McGrath also ventured into television, hosting various shows and making appearances on reality TV. While Sugar Ray’s chart-topping hits like "Fly," "Every Morning," and "Someday" defined the band's mainstream appeal, they gradually transitioned to a more low-key, alternative rock approach over the years. Although their commercial success waned by the late 2000s, Sugar Ray remains an iconic act from the '90s and early 2000s, known for their catchy tunes, beachy vibes, and Mark McGrath’s charismatic frontman persona.
