Robert Cray Blues Biography
Robert Cray was among artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan
and George Thorogood, who got wider radio airplay and regular
MTV video exposure during the late 1980s. He 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 Hendrix, Quicksilver Messenger Service,
Fleetwood Mac, the Grease Band, Blodwyn Pig, Jethro Tull,
Forever More, 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 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 loyal 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. 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 also feaures
on the critically acclaimed album, The Healer, another recording
from John Lee Hooker. Cray plays a guitar solo on the song
"Baby Lee".
He continues to record and tour. Cray appeared multiple
times on Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, and
is currently supporting 'Slowhand' on his 2006-2007 world
tour.
Also, in the film Animal House, Cray plays the uncredited
bassist in Otis Day and the Knights.
Discography
* Who's Been Talkin' - 1980
* 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
* Take Your Shoes Off - 1999
* Shoulda Been Home - 2001
* Time Will Tell - 2003
* Twenty - 2005
* Live From Across The Pond - 2006
