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Robert Cray
Robert Cray
Born August 1st,1953 Columbus,Georgia,USA
Blues Guitarist,Singer
Robert Cray began 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 Cray wanted to become an Architect but 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, Jethrow Tull, Sprint 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 like Eric Clapton (who remains a friend to this day) and sold out larger venues as a solo artist. By the early 1990`s he name was immediately associated with his soothing, soulful voice, crisp, clean guitar work and innovative modern blues sound.
Cray has generally worked with Fender guitars (Telecaster and Startocaster) and there are two signature model Robert Cray Stratocasters available from Fender. The Robert Cray Custom shop Stratocaster is made in the USA 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 fenders 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" and also features on the critically acclaimed album, "The Healer".
Another recording from John Lee Hooker,Cray plays the 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 night of legends was Albert Collins.
Cray continues to perform and to tour. He appeared at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, and supported Slowhand on his 2006-2007 world tour. Also in the film "Animal House" Cray plays the uncredited bassist in Otis Day And The Knights.
THE ROBERT CRAY BAND(current line up)
Robert Cray-Guitar/vocals
Kevin Hayes-Drums
Jim Pugh-Keyboards
Karl Severeid-Bass Guitar. |
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