From busker to international recording artist, Elliot James Reay is now touring in the United States
The singer on tour in America this past week(Image: Supplied)
A singer who started his career busking in Bury Town Centre has spoken of his excitement at joining one of the music industry’s biggest stars on his world tour.
Bury-born Elliot James Reay is only 23 but is currently supporting American singer-songwriter Benson Boone on the US leg of his American Heart World Tour. Boone’s rise to fame was also helped by TikTok and is perhaps best known for his 2024 hit Beautiful Things.
Reay first attracted attention busking in Bury town centre. He later went viral online, earning millions of social media followers by sharing videos of himself covering 1950s and 1960s classics.
Sharing the news in a series of posts on Instagram post, he told his followers: “I’m so excited to announce I’m opening for Benson Boone US tour.
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“Thank you for having me, I can’t wait to get on the road this Friday and make some memories with you all.”
Elliot James Reay on stage in America this past week(Image: Okay Nicolita )
Following their first show in the capital city of Minnesota, Saint Paul, he added: “How do I explain this one to my friends back in Bury.
“A dream come true to be opening for @bensonboone in St Paul last night, I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to sing to you all and thank you for all the love you gave me.”
Having played shows in Minnesota, Chicago and Ohio, this week he’ll join Benson on stage in Cleveland, Detroit, Toronto and Montreal.
The Bury-born singer is supporting Benson Boone on the US leg of his world tour(Image: Okay Nicolita )
Hailing from Bury, Reay was influenced by artists like Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison from an early age and now channels that sound into his own music.
His viral popularity first came from his charming tribute to that era of culture and music, enthralling millions of viewers and listeners with his own music.
Elliot James Reay used to busk in Bury Town Centre(Image: Okay Nicolita )
Elliot’s grown a huge fan base too, organically amassing millions of followers and hundreds of millions of views across social media platforms.
Reay’s debut single, ‘I Think They Call This Love,’ scored over 10 million views before its full release – and over 10 million plays in its first month on streaming services.
It also hit Spotify’s Viral charts in over 27 countries while reaching number 14 on the Global Viral 50.
Elliot busking in Bury when he was younger(Image: Supplied)
He grew up listening to all kinds of music, but he was drawn to the classic tunes from an early age and took it farther than most, thrifting for vintage clothes and busking the town center as a teen.
As the crowds grew, so did his confidence, and after earning more than £2,000 in a single day fundraising in the wake of the 2017 Manchester tragedy, Elliot realised the power he had to reach others.
In June this year, the singer, guitarist, and songwriter released his debut EP, ‘All This to Say I Love You’.
Elliot James Reay performing in Manchester(Image: Supplied)
The swoon-worthy set leans into the UK artist’s embrace of 50s and 60s music, infusing his classic rock ’n’ roll with cinematic grandeur, modern flourishes, and a playful self-awareness.
With six songs that capture the thrill and longing of young love, the EP comes with a romantically themed video for the track, ‘Sweetness’.