Robert Cray

Robert Cray is a blues icon, soul man and rock and roller. Georgia-born and Washington-raised, he picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV and, after witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, set his course for a life in music. Across the past half century he’s developed into one of American music’s most singular artists.

"I guess you'd have to say that we were lucky,” reflects Cray on his life in music. “Because, growing up in the 1960s, the different music played on the radio really opened us up. I mean, we even had Albert Collins play our high School graduation party."

From a teenage garage band to sharing stages with some of the world’s greatest guitarists, Cray’s story is one of struggle and commitment. That dedication has brought phenomenal success: millions of albums sold, countless concert tickets, five Grammy Awards, induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award, and two signature Fender guitars. Through it all, what’s mattered most to Cray is the music — integrity and intensity guide his performances.

He has worked with and shared stages or studios with many notable artists, including:
- John Lee Hooker
- Muddy Waters
- B. B. King
- Buddy Guy
- Chuck Berry
- Albert Collins
- The Rolling Stones
- Eric Clapton
- Tina Turner
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- The Memphis Horns and Hi Rhythm Section

Early career notes: he recorded his debut album Who’s Been Talkin’ in 1978 (its release was delayed until 1980 by Tomato Records’ problems). He even appeared as a musician in the 1978 film Animal House. After Tomato folded, Cray and his band — Richard Cousins (bass guitar — there since high school days), Dover Weinberg (keyboards) and Les Falconer (drums) — kept building momentum, including friendships with peers like Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Signing to Hightone, Cray’s 1983 album Bad Influence established him internationally. 1985’s False Accusations increased his standing as a singer of blues-noir songs, and the collaborative 1985 album Showdown! with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland won wide acclaim. After signing to Mercury Records, his 1986 album Strong Persuader broke through in the MTV era, earning rave reviews, chart success, a Rolling Stone cover, and the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Recording in 1988. (The text notes 2026 as the 40th anniversary of Strong Persuader.)

Cray’s success opened many doors: he supported Tina Turner on a European tour (joining her on stage nightly to play "A Change Is Gonna Come"), joined the band backing Chuck Berry for the Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll documentary, and toured with The Stones. He’s headlined major festivals such as Glastonbury and the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

As a songwriter and performer, Cray has addressed ageing, love, loneliness, domestic turmoil and US politics. His voice has grown in range and expressiveness, and his guitar playing has developed additional depth and emotional nuance. Recent albums mentioned in this text include:
- 2014: In My Soul
- 2017: Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm
- 2020: That’s What I Heard
All three were produced by Steve Jordan.

Across five decades Cray has released 19 studio albums and continues to make music that sounds unmistakably like him. "All these years we have been fortunate to do what we love doing, playing the music we love playing,” says Cray with a smile. “I couldn't ask for anything more."