You don’t have to be a country music fan to recognize Michael Ray’s talent.

Or the fact that his new single is at the top of the charts.

And let's not forget about his legion of fans, who packed the inside of a Winter Haven Walmart for a meet-and-greet and mini concert.

“We listened to him since he came out about five years ago,” said fan Monica Everett.

Friends Cathy Seifer and Kathy Box said they came out to buy his new CD and hopefully get to meet the man behind the music.

“I haven’t heard this CD yet, but I like all the songs on the first CD. And he’s nice to look at,” Seifer said.

Ray’s good looks may be a highlight for some fans, but it’s his music that filled the back of the Winter Haven Walmart. We’re talking hundreds of people.

Ray said he chose the Winter Haven location to meet fans on the day of his album release because this is basically where it all started.  And it’s close to Eustis, where he grew up.

“These are the people who brought me to where I am now, so even though it’s in the middle of the day, I knew that they’d be there for us," Ray said. “WPCV is the first station to play my stuff, so we knew we wanted to do something in my hometown in Eustis (and) also here, so we picked this Walmart. So we came out, played some new songs and met everybody.”

And to show his gratitude, the country singer presented a plaque to 97 Country radio DJ Sarah Michaels.

Michaels was one of the first people to play Ray’s songs on the radio, taking his career to the next level.

“I’m just so proud of him,” Michaels said. “He worked so hard. We all have for the past five years to get him where he is today, and if it wasn’t for the listeners of 97 Country and Polk County, Lake County and the other 32 Florida counties we cover supporting him, he wouldn’t be there, so it’s more about the listeners.”

Michael Ray said he’s gearing up for an upcoming tour. His self-titled album is in stores now. And his single “Kiss You in the Morning” is climbing the charts.