Robert Cray

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Robert Cray
Robert Cray in concert, 2007
Robert Cray in concert, 2007
Background information
Born 1 August 1953 (1953-08-01) (age 54)

Columbus, Georgia
Genre(s) Contemporary blues
Electric blues
Soul-blues
Instrument(s) Guitar
Years active 1980 - present
Website Official Site
Notable instrument(s)
Robert Cray Signature Model Stratocaster

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

Contents

[edit] Career

Robert Cray started playing guitar in his early teens. At Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, his love of blues and soul music flourished as he started collecting records. Originally, Robert Cray wanted to become an architect, but at about the same time he was going to study design in architecture he formed a local band "Steakface", described as "the best band from Lakewood you never heard of". Cray on guitar and vocals contributed greatly to Steakface's set list of songs by Jimi Hendrix, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Fleetwood Mac, The Grease Band, Blodwyn Pig, Jethro Tull, Spirit and The Faces. 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 album 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, such as Eric Clapton (who remains a friend to this day), 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.[citation needed] Cray has generally played Fender guitars (Telecasters and Stratocasters) and there are two signature model Robert Cray Stratocasters available from Fender. The Robert Cray Custom Shop Stratocaster is made in the U.S. in the Fender Custom Shop and is identical to the guitars that Cray currently plays, while the Robert Cray Standard Stratocaster is a less expensive version made in Fender's Ensenada, Mexico plant.

Cray also had the opportunity to play alongside John Lee Hooker, on his album Boom Boom. Cray plays the guitar solo in the song "Same Old Blues Again". He is also featured on the critically acclaimed album, The Healer, another recording from John Lee Hooker. Cray plays a guitar solo on the song "Baby Lee".

Cray was invited to play at the "Guitar Legends" concerts in Seville, Spain at the Expo in 1992, where amongst others, he played a signature track "Phone Booth", wowing the audience. Also on the bill on this blues night of the "Legends" gigs was Albert Collins

Cray continues to record and tour. He appeared at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, and supported 'Slowhand' on his 2006-2007 world tour.

He also appeared on a 2007 tour with Eric Clapton. In Fargo, ND, he joined Clapton as backup guitar for the Cream song "Crossroads."

Also, in the film Animal House, Cray plays the uncredited bassist in Otis Day and the Knights.

[edit] Robert Cray Band

Robert Cray's current band line-up:

[edit] Discography

Compilations and re-issues

  • Who's Been Talkin' re-issue - 2001
  • Heavy Picks - The Robert Cray Band Collection - 1999
  • The Best Of Robert Cray edition of 20th Century Masters / The Millennium Collection - 2002

[edit] References

[edit] See also

[edit] External links