Robert Cray

Early Life

Robert William Cray was born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, while his father was stationed at Fort Benning. His musical journey began during his time at Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, where he played in his first band, The One-Way Street. Eventually, his family settled in Tacoma, Washington, where he continued to nurture his passion for music at Lakes High School.

Career

By the age of 20, Cray had been inspired by legendary blues artists such as Albert Collins, Freddie King, and Muddy Waters, prompting him to form his own band and perform in college towns along the West Coast. In the late 1970s, he lived in Eugene, Oregon, where he established the Robert Cray Band and collaborated with Curtis Salgado in the Cray-Hawks. His career took off with the release of his album "Who's Been Talkin'" in 1980, followed by two successful albums in the mid-1980s, "Bad Influence" and "False Accusations." In 1985, he released the acclaimed album "Showdown!" alongside Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland.

Cray's big break came in 1986 when he signed with Mercury Records and released "Strong Persuader," which won a Grammy Award and featured the hit single "Smoking Gun." His growing popularity led to collaborations with notable artists, including a performance in the film "Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'N' Roll" and an invitation from Tina Turner to join her television special. By the late 1980s, Cray was opening for major stars like Eric Clapton, solidifying his status in the blues genre.