Blues artists: Robert Cray

Robert Cray

Robert Cray (born 1 August 1953, in Columbus, Georgia) is a blues musician, guitarist and singer.

Robert Cray was among artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Thorogood, who got wider radio play while being innovative blues oriented guitarists and songwriters in 1980s. He started playing guitar in his early teens. In high school his love of blues and soul music flourishhed as he started collecting records. By the time he was twenty, Cray had seen his heroes Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters in concert, and decided to form his own band. His band started playing college towns on the west coast. After several years of regional success, Cray was signed to Mercury Records in 1982. His third release, Strong Persuader, received a Grammy Award, while the crossover single "Smokin' Gun" gave him wider appeal and name recognition.

By now, Cray was an opening act for major stars, and sold out larger venues as a solo artist. By the early 1990s his name was immediately associated with his soothing, soulful voice, crisp, clean guitar work, and innovative modern blues sound. Cray has generally played Fender guitars (Telecasters and Stratocasters) and his band has generally consisted of bass, drums, keyboard, saxophone and trumpet.

He continues to record and tour. Cray appeared multiple times on Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Discography

Bad Influence - 1982
False Accusations - 1985
Showdown! - 1985 (recorded with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland)
Strong Persuader - 1986
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark - 1988
Midnight Stroll - 1990
I Was Warned - 1992
Shame + A SIN - 1993
Some Rainy Morning - 1995
Sweet Potato Pie - 1997
Shoulda Been Home - 2001
Time Will Tell - 2003
Twenty - 2005

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