Robert Cray

Infobox musical artist | Background = solo_singer| Instrument = Guitar
Name = Robert Cray


Img_capt = Robert Cray in concert, 2007
Born = Birth date and age|1953|8|1|df=yes
Columbus, Georgia
Died =
Alias =
Genre = Contemporary blues
Electric blues
Soul-blues
Associated_acts =
Label =
Notable_instruments = Robert Cray Signature Model Stratocaster
Years_active = 1980 - present
URL = [http://www.robertcray.com/entry.php Official Site]
audio sample =

Robert Cray (born August 1, 1953) is an American blues musician, guitarist, and singer.

Career

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, he wanted to become an architect, but around the same time he began to study architectural design, he formed a local band " [http://pnwbands.com/steakface.html Steakface] ", described as "the best band from Lakewood you never heard of". Cray's 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 age of twenty, Cray had seen his heroes Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters in concert and decided to form his own band; they began 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", produced by Dennis Walker, 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 such major stars 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.Fact|date=January 2008 Cray has generally played Fender guitars (Telecasters and Stratocasters) and there are two signature Robert Cray Stratocasters models 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 model made in Fender's Ensenada, Mexico plant.

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

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

Cray continues to record and tour. He appeared at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, and supported 'Slowhand' on his 2006-2007 world tour. In Fargo, ND, he joined Clapton on backup guitar for the classic Cream song "Crossroads".

Also, in the film "Animal House", Cray is the uncredited bassist in the house party band Otis Day and the Knights.

Robert Cray Band

Robert Cray's current band line-up:
*Robert Cray - Guitar/Singer
*Kevin Hayes - Drums
*Jim Pugh - Keyboards
*Karl Sevareid - Bass Guitar

Discography

*"Who's Been Talkin"' (rereleased as Too Many Cooks 1990) - 1980
*"Bad Influence" - 1983
*"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
*"Take Your Shoes Off" - 1999
*"Shoulda Been Home" - 2001
*"Time Will Tell" - 2003
*"Twenty" - 2005
*"Live From Across The Pond" - 2006
*"Live At The BBC" - 2008

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

References

* Guinness Book of British Hit Albums - 7th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-619-7
* Guinness Rockopedia - ISBN 0-85112-072-5
* The Great Rock Discography - 5th Edition - ISBN 1-84195-017-3
* The Blues - From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray - ISBN 1-85868-255-X

ee also

* Chicago Blues Festival

External links

* [http://www.robertcray.com/entry.php Official Site]
*imdb|0187042
*MySpace|robertcray|Robert Cray
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:3ifwxq95ldke~T1 Robert Cray] at Allmusic
* [http://www.edwinesmith.com/Letters%20From%20Little%20Rock/?p=39 Review of "Time Will Tell"]

Persondata
NAME= Cray, Robert
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION= Musician, singer,
DATE OF BIRTH= August 1, 1953
PLACE OF BIRTH=Columbus, Georgia
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=