Tag: Robert Cray

Robert Cray, born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, is an iconic figure in the blues genre. He grew up in a military family, which meant moving often, but it was in the Pacific Northwest that he really started his musical journey. Cray developed a love for blues music at a young age, influenced by the greats like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Albert Collins.

Robert Cray Band

Cray formed his first band in high school and continued to hone his craft, blending traditional blues with his own contemporary touches. By the late 1970s, he had formed the Robert Cray Band and started to make a name for himself in the music world. His smooth vocals and sharp guitar skills quickly caught the attention of both fans and fellow musicians.

Over his career, Robert Cray has worked with several renowned blues and soul musicians. He collaborated with John Lee Hooker on the Grammy-winning album “The Healer,” which also featured other legends like Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt. Cray’s work with Eric Clapton further elevated his status in the blues community, with memorable performances at the Crossroads Guitar Festival and other venues. He has also shared the stage with Stevie Ray Vaughan, another blues powerhouse, enhancing his reputation as a guitarist’s guitarist.

As we celebrate 50 years of Robert Cray’s contributions to music, it’s clear that his influence and talent have made him a beloved figure in the blues world. His ability to fuse traditional blues with elements of soul and rock has created a sound that is uniquely his own.

Here is our subjective selection of five albums recorded by Robert Cray, which are worth remembering before going to one of his concerts.

1. Strong Persuader (1986) “Strong Persuader” is Robert Cray’s breakthrough album. It includes the hit song “Smoking Gun.” This album helped Cray become famous. It mixes blues with a bit of soul music. People who love electric blues will enjoy this album a lot.

2. Bad Influence (1983) “Bad Influence” is an earlier album by Cray. It has songs like “Phone Booth” and “Bad Influence,” which are loved by many fans. This album shows Cray’s skill in combining traditional blues with his unique style. It’s great for those who appreciate classic blues guitar.

3. Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (1988) This album came after “Strong Persuader” and has a similar style. The title track, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” is very popular. The album focuses on themes of love and relationships. It’s perfect for listeners who enjoy stories in their blues music.

4. Midnight Stroll (1990) In “Midnight Stroll,” Cray explores more soul and R&B styles. The album features the Memphis Horns, adding a rich sound. Songs like “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” are highlights. This album is a good choice for those who like their blues with a bit of soul.

5. Twenty (2005) “Twenty” is a more modern album by Cray. It deals with serious themes like war and social issues. The music is powerful and thoughtful. It shows that Cray can still make great music many years into his career. This album might appeal to those who appreciate blues that makes you think.

Robert Cray has been making music for 50 years. These albums are just a few examples of his work. Each album has something different to offer. They show why Robert Cray is a respected name in the world of blues.

Thank You!

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Robert Cray

Robert Cray is one of the most famous and respected blues guitarists of his generation. His music combines the traditional sound of blues with influences from soul and RnB, creating a fresh and attractive style that attracted many listeners in the 80s and 90s. Not only did Cray revive the blues scene, but he also garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching high spots on the pop and rock charts. In this article, we’ll take a look at how Robert Cray got started in his career, how he developed his own voice as a guitarist and songwriter, and how he influenced younger blues artists.

Robert Cray was born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia. His father was a quartermaster in the Army and moved often to another location, so Robert spent his childhood in different parts of the United States and Europe. He became interested in music through his father’s extensive record collection, which included recordings by artists such as Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Sam Cooke. After classical piano lessons, Robert began learning guitar at the age of 12. While in high school in Newport News, Virginia, he formed his first band, One-Way Street, which played covers of popular songs in a bar even though they were too young to go in.

In 1974, Robert Cray moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he joined a local blues band, The Crayhawks, led by harmonica player Curt Salgado. Working with Salgado, Cray was able to delve into blues, RnB, and soul, but was ultimately not satisfied with playing versions of existing songs. When he formed the Robert Cray Band, he began to focus more on writing his own songs than on playing guitar brilliantly. Though he can light a fire on the strings when he feels like it.

The Robert Cray Band released their debut album Who’s Been Talkin’ in 1980, but it wasn’t until their third album Bad Influence in 1983 that they gained notoriety among blues fans. The album featured songs such as “Phone Booth”, “Bad Influence” and “Playin’ in the Dirt”, which showcased Cray’s talent as a guitarist and songwriter. His playing style was clean and precise, without unnecessary embellishments, and his songs were closer to classic southern soul in their storytelling and character creation than to the typical twelve-bar anthems about whiskey and women favored by most bluesmen of the time.

In 1985, Robert Cray recorded the album Showdown! with two blues legends: Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album and raised Cray’s reputation as one of the best blues guitarists of his generation. A year later, Cray released his biggest hit, the album Strong Persuader, which sold over two million copies and reached number 13 on the Billboard 200. The album included hits such as “Smoking Gun”, “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” and “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”, which combined blues with pop melodies and modern lyrics. Cray showed that the blues can be not only music for connoisseurs, but also for a mass audience.

In the 80s and 90s. Robert Cray continued to record and tour, keeping a high level of quality and consistency in his music. He has also collaborated with such stars as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King. His albums 1990’s Midnight Stroll, 1992’s I Was Warned and 1993’s Shame + A Sin were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Modern Blues Album. In 1999, Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, the youngest artist in the history of the institution.

Robert Cray does not rest on his laurels and continues to create new music, drawing inspiration from different genres and incorporating social and political elements into his lyrics. His latest album, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, from 2017, is a collaboration with one of the best soul studio bands of the 70s, Hi Rhythm Section. The album is a tribute to the classic soul and RnB sound that had a big influence on Cray’s work.

Robert Cray is an artist who brought the soul of RnB to the blues in the 80s and ushered in a new generation of blues lovers around the world. His music is fresh, attractive, and authentic, and his songs are full of emotion and character. Robert Cray is a guitarist who doesn’t play for the sake of playing, but for storytelling.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Exploring the Soulful Blues of Robert Cray: A Journey Through His Musical Collaborations

In the world of blues and soul music, few names resonate as profoundly as Robert Cray. A masterful singer and a blues guitarist par excellence, Cray has been a formidable presence in the music scene for decades, enchanting audiences with his poignant storytelling and fluid guitar licks. What makes Cray’s career particularly fascinating is his collaborative spirit, having worked alongside legends like Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, and Tina Turner.

Born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, Robert Cray was immersed in the blues and soul music from an early age. His early exposure to the works of artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong passion. Cray’s unique style—a blend of traditional blues with a touch of soul and R&B—began to take shape in the early 1980s with the formation of the Robert Cray Band.

Rising Star: The Robert Cray Band

With the release of albums like “Strong Persuader” in 1986, Cray and his band catapulted to fame. The album, featuring classics like “Smoking Gun,” showcased Cray’s skillful guitar playing and his ability to weave compelling narratives through his music. His sound, though deeply rooted in traditional blues, had a contemporary edge that appealed to a wide audience.

Collaborations That Shaped a Genre

Perhaps what truly sets Cray apart are his collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Each collaboration not only highlighted his versatility but also enriched the blues genre.

With Albert Collins

Cray’s work with the legendary Albert Collins, particularly the 1985 album “Showdown!” which also featured Johnny Copeland, is a milestone in blues history. This collaboration brought together three distinct blues styles, resulting in a Grammy-winning masterpiece. Cray’s smooth, soulful playing complemented Collins’s more aggressive guitar work, creating a dynamic interplay that was nothing short of electric.

Teaming Up with John Lee Hooker

Cray’s collaboration with John Lee Hooker on the album “The Healer” (1989) is another highlight of his career. The album, which brought together various artists, featured Cray on the track “Baby Lee.” His interaction with Hooker was a meeting of two generations of bluesmen, providing a beautiful blend of Cray’s polished style with Hooker’s raw, emotive power.

The Tina Turner Connection

Perhaps one of Cray’s more mainstream collaborations was with Tina Turner. Joining forces on Turner’s “Foreign Affair” album in 1989, Cray contributed his guitar skills to several tracks, adding a bluesy depth to Turner’s soulful rock. This collaboration not only showcased Cray’s versatility but also introduced him to a broader pop audience.

Legacy and Influence

Robert Cray’s influence on the blues and soul music is undeniable. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary blues, all while maintaining the emotional depth characteristic of the genre, has inspired a new generation of musicians. His collaborations have been a testament to his versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories.

Now, in 2023, Robert Cray continues to tour and produce music that touches the soul. His live performances are a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the blues. Whether he’s revisiting his classic hits or exploring new musical landscapes, Cray remains a pivotal figure in the blues genre, a bridge between the past and the present, and a torchbearer for the future of blues music.

As we look back on the rich tapestry of Robert Cray’s career, it’s clear that his contributions to music go far beyond his soulful voice and masterful guitar playing. Through his collaborations and solo work, Cray has woven a narrative that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant, cementing his place as one of the great storytellers of our time in the realm of blues and soul music.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

The Soulful Strains of Robert Cray: A Modern Blues Maestro

In the pantheon of blues guitarists, the name Robert Cray holds a special place. With a career that spans over four decades, Cray has not only kept the blues flame burning but has also infused it with a modern sensibility, combining traditional blues with soul, rock, and R&B elements. His smooth vocal style, heartfelt lyrics, and guitar prowess have earned him an indelible spot in the music world.

A Journey Through The Blues

Robert Cray’s journey began in Columbus, Georgia, in 1953. His family moved frequently, but it was in the Pacific Northwest that he would form his first band. His early influences ranged from the gospel music he heard in church to the soulful sounds of artists like Sam Cooke. However, it was the blues that truly captured his spirit, the music of Muddy Waters, Albert King, and B.B. King guiding his artistic development.

Breaking Out

Cray’s breakout came with the release of his album “Strong Persuader” in 1986. This seminal work, featuring the hit “Smoking Gun,” was a critical and commercial success that introduced him to a broader audience. The album not only showcased Cray’s silky voice and sharp guitar licks but also highlighted his ability to tell compelling stories through his lyrics.

Collaborations of Robert Cray with the Greats

What sets Robert Cray apart is not just his musical talent but his collaborative spirit. Throughout his illustrious career, Cray has played alongside many of the giants in the industry.

Albert Collins & The Icebreakers

One of his most notable collaborations was with Albert Collins. Cray joined forces with the renowned “Master of the Telecaster” on the album “Showdown!” which also featured Johnny Copeland. This 1985 album was a landmark in the blues genre, garnering a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album.

John Lee Hooker: A Meeting of Souls

Another remarkable collaboration was with the legendary John Lee Hooker. Cray contributed to Hooker’s album “The Healer,” which won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Performance. The combination of Hooker’s deep, raw vocals and Cray’s refined guitar work created a cross-generational blues synthesis that resonated with audiences.

Tina Turner: The Rock and Blues Connection

Cray’s versatility as a musician was also highlighted in his work with Tina Turner. Joining her on the ‘Foreign Affair’ album, Cray brought his blues-infused guitar to the rock and soul domain, proving the universal language of the blues could comfortably dance alongside mainstream music.

Beyond The Stage

But Cray’s impact isn’t limited to his albums or live performances. He’s known for his activism, particularly in advocating for musicians’ rights and social issues. His music often reflects his views on love, life, and the socio-political climate, resonating with authenticity and passion.

Robert Cray Sound

Robert Cray’s sound is a blend of his smooth, narrative singing and his clean, incisive guitar style. Unlike the more distortion-heavy riffs of some of his contemporaries, Cray’s playing is characterized by its clarity and precision. He often employs a subtle vibrato and a sparing use of effects, allowing his emotional depth to take center stage.

The Legacy Lives On

Today, Robert Cray continues to tour and produce new music. His contribution to the blues is undeniable: five Grammy Awards, induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, and countless performances that have left audiences in awe. His work has helped to preserve the blues as a living, evolving art form, bringing it to new generations while honoring its rich legacy.

In an era when music is often dominated by fleeting trends, Robert Cray stands out as a testament to the enduring power of the blues. His artistry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, proving that the blues will forever be a cornerstone of the American musical landscape. The Robert Cray Band’s ongoing journey is a soulful ride through the heart of American music, and one that every music lover should experience.

So next time you hear the gentle wail of Cray’s Stratocaster or the smooth baritone that has become his signature, remember that you’re not just listening to songs; you’re witnessing the living history of the blues, told by one of its finest storytellers.

For those who wish to delve deeper into Cray’s music, the journey is rich and rewarding. Albums like “Strong Persuader,” “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” and “In My Soul” are essential listens. But to truly appreciate the man and his music, see him live. There, in the glow of the stage lights, Robert Cray’s guitar sings, cries, and ultimately, tells the story of the blues in a language that we can all understand – the language of the soul.

[Follow Robert Cray on his continuing musical journey, check tour dates, and explore his discography at robertcray.com]

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Robert Cray: A Luminous Legacy in Blues Guitar

For over four decades, Robert Cray has been a pioneering force in the world of blues music. Since 1974, with the inception of The Robert Cray Band, Cray has dazzled audiences worldwide with his dynamic fusion of Soul, R&B, Gospel, Blues, and Rock n Roll. This vibrant blend of genres not only showcases Cray’s versatility as an artist but also reflects his deep-rooted passion for diverse musical traditions.

A five-time Grammy award winner, Robert Cray’s contribution to the music industry hasn’t gone unnoticed. His induction into the Blues Hall of Fame is a testament to his indelible mark on the blues genre. Additionally, his recognition by the Americana Music Awards with a Lifetime Achievement for Performance underscores the depth and breadth of his musical impact.

Beyond his solo career, Cray’s collaborations read like a who’s who of music legends. He has reminisced about the honor of sharing stages with icons like Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker. Yet, it’s not just the blues greats he’s partnered with. Cray has also played alongside global rock and pop sensations such as The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and Eric Clapton. Such collaborations further amplify Cray’s universal appeal and his ability to transcend musical boundaries.

Steve Jordan, Cray’s producer, rightly points out that while many are initially drawn to Robert for his phenomenal guitar skills, his vocal prowess is equally compelling. Describing him as one of the best singers he’s ever heard, Jordan highlights an aspect of Cray’s talent that often gets overshadowed by his guitar mastery.

Over the years, The Robert Cray Band has released more than twenty lauded albums, which have not only been critically acclaimed but have also resonated with audiences globally, resulting in millions of sales. Yet, amidst all the recognition and accomplishments, Cray’s humility remains evident. “Today is all that matters!” he proclaims, emphasizing the band’s consistent drive and love for the craft.

Robert Cray’s journey, filled with accolades, collaborations, and soulful tunes, underscores his position as a monumental figure in the realm of blues music. His legacy, marked by passion, innovation, and sheer talent, ensures that he will remain an inspiration for budding artists and music aficionados for generations to come.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Robert Cray

Robert Cray is one of the most famous and respected blues guitarists of his generation. His music combines the traditional sound of blues with influences from soul and RnB, creating a fresh and attractive style that attracted many listeners in the 80s and 90s. Not only did Cray revive the blues scene, but he also garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching high spots on the pop and rock charts. In this article, we’ll take a look at how Robert Cray got started in his career, how he developed his own voice as a guitarist and songwriter, and how he influenced younger blues artists.

Robert Cray was born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia. His father was a quartermaster in the Army and moved often to another location, so Robert spent his childhood in different parts of the United States and Europe. He became interested in music through his father’s extensive record collection, which included recordings by artists such as Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Sam Cooke. After classical piano lessons, Robert began learning guitar at the age of 12. While in high school in Newport News, Virginia, he formed his first band, One-Way Street, which played covers of popular songs in a bar even though they were too young to go in.

In 1974, Robert Cray moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he joined a local blues band, The Crayhawks, led by harmonica player Curt Salgado. Working with Salgado, Cray was able to delve into blues, RnB, and soul, but was ultimately not satisfied with playing versions of existing songs. When he formed the Robert Cray Band, he began to focus more on writing his own songs than on playing guitar brilliantly. Though he can light a fire on the strings when he feels like it.

The Robert Cray Band released their debut album Who’s Been Talkin’ in 1980, but it wasn’t until their third album Bad Influence in 1983 that they gained notoriety among blues fans. The album featured songs such as “Phone Booth”, “Bad Influence” and “Playin’ in the Dirt”, which showcased Cray’s talent as a guitarist and songwriter. His playing style was clean and precise, without unnecessary embellishments, and his songs were closer to classic southern soul in their storytelling and character creation than to the typical twelve-bar anthems about whiskey and women favored by most bluesmen of the time.

In 1985, Robert Cray recorded the album Showdown! with two blues legends: Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album and raised Cray’s reputation as one of the best blues guitarists of his generation. A year later, Cray released his biggest hit, the album Strong Persuader, which sold over two million copies and reached number 13 on the Billboard 200. The album included hits such as “Smoking Gun”, “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” and “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”, which combined blues with pop melodies and modern lyrics. Cray showed that the blues can be not only music for connoisseurs, but also for a mass audience.

In the 80s and 90s. Robert Cray continued to record and tour, keeping a high level of quality and consistency in his music. He has also collaborated with such stars as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King. His albums 1990’s Midnight Stroll, 1992’s I Was Warned and 1993’s Shame + A Sin were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Modern Blues Album. In 1999, Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, the youngest artist in the history of the institution.

Robert Cray does not rest on his laurels and continues to create new music, drawing inspiration from different genres and incorporating social and political elements into his lyrics. His latest album, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, from 2017, is a collaboration with one of the best soul studio bands of the 70s, Hi Rhythm Section. The album is a tribute to the classic soul and RnB sound that had a big influence on Cray’s work.

Robert Cray is an artist who brought the soul of RnB to the blues in the 80s and ushered in a new generation of blues lovers around the world. His music is fresh, attractive, and authentic, and his songs are full of emotion and character. Robert Cray is a guitarist who doesn’t play for the sake of playing, but for storytelling.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Exploring the Soulful Blues of Robert Cray: A Journey Through His Musical Collaborations

In the world of blues and soul music, few names resonate as profoundly as Robert Cray. A masterful singer and a blues guitarist par excellence, Cray has been a formidable presence in the music scene for decades, enchanting audiences with his poignant storytelling and fluid guitar licks. What makes Cray’s career particularly fascinating is his collaborative spirit, having worked alongside legends like Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, and Tina Turner.

Born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, Robert Cray was immersed in the blues and soul music from an early age. His early exposure to the works of artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong passion. Cray’s unique style—a blend of traditional blues with a touch of soul and R&B—began to take shape in the early 1980s with the formation of the Robert Cray Band.

Rising Star: The Robert Cray Band

With the release of albums like “Strong Persuader” in 1986, Cray and his band catapulted to fame. The album, featuring classics like “Smoking Gun,” showcased Cray’s skillful guitar playing and his ability to weave compelling narratives through his music. His sound, though deeply rooted in traditional blues, had a contemporary edge that appealed to a wide audience.

Collaborations That Shaped a Genre

Perhaps what truly sets Cray apart are his collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Each collaboration not only highlighted his versatility but also enriched the blues genre.

With Albert Collins

Cray’s work with the legendary Albert Collins, particularly the 1985 album “Showdown!” which also featured Johnny Copeland, is a milestone in blues history. This collaboration brought together three distinct blues styles, resulting in a Grammy-winning masterpiece. Cray’s smooth, soulful playing complemented Collins’s more aggressive guitar work, creating a dynamic interplay that was nothing short of electric.

Teaming Up with John Lee Hooker

Cray’s collaboration with John Lee Hooker on the album “The Healer” (1989) is another highlight of his career. The album, which brought together various artists, featured Cray on the track “Baby Lee.” His interaction with Hooker was a meeting of two generations of bluesmen, providing a beautiful blend of Cray’s polished style with Hooker’s raw, emotive power.

The Tina Turner Connection

Perhaps one of Cray’s more mainstream collaborations was with Tina Turner. Joining forces on Turner’s “Foreign Affair” album in 1989, Cray contributed his guitar skills to several tracks, adding a bluesy depth to Turner’s soulful rock. This collaboration not only showcased Cray’s versatility but also introduced him to a broader pop audience.

Legacy and Influence

Robert Cray’s influence on the blues and soul music is undeniable. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary blues, all while maintaining the emotional depth characteristic of the genre, has inspired a new generation of musicians. His collaborations have been a testament to his versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories.

Now, in 2023, Robert Cray continues to tour and produce music that touches the soul. His live performances are a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the blues. Whether he’s revisiting his classic hits or exploring new musical landscapes, Cray remains a pivotal figure in the blues genre, a bridge between the past and the present, and a torchbearer for the future of blues music.

As we look back on the rich tapestry of Robert Cray’s career, it’s clear that his contributions to music go far beyond his soulful voice and masterful guitar playing. Through his collaborations and solo work, Cray has woven a narrative that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant, cementing his place as one of the great storytellers of our time in the realm of blues and soul music.

It is a karaoke version of this song, but in fact, it can also be used as a nice backing track.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.