Person Biography:
Born in 1953 in Columbus, Georgia, Robert Cray is a renowned blues guitarist and vocalist who has been credited, along with Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan, with helping to create the blues "renaissance" of the 1980s. Cray's music career began in 1979 and has since been marked by numerous accolades, including three Grammy awards.
Cray's father, a career military man, moved the family to various locations throughout Cray's childhood, including Virginia, California, and Germany. This nomadic lifestyle allowed Cray to develop a diverse musical taste, influenced by artists such as Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and The Beatles. Cray eventually switched from piano to guitar and formed his own band, releasing his debut album "Who's Been Talkin'?" in 1979.
After struggling to gain traction with his early work, Cray signed with Hightone Records and released the well-received album "Bad Influence" in 1983. His breakthrough album, "Showdown!", released in 1985, earned him a Grammy and sold a quarter-million copies. Cray's subsequent albums, including "Strong Persuader" and "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", solidified his position as a leading figure in the blues genre.
Throughout his career, Cray has collaborated with other notable musicians, including Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, and Eric Clapton. He has also made appearances in various films and documentaries, including the rock documentary "Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll" and a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Cray's most recent album, "24 Nights", is a double album that features his performances at the Royal Albert Hall.
