Biography
Born in Columbus, GA, in 1953, blues guitarist and vocalist Robert Cray is recognized—alongside Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan—for helping spark the blues "renaissance" of the 1980s. Launching his career in 1979, Cray has earned three Grammy Awards, with his 1986 album "Strong Persuader" selling over one million copies.
Cray's father served in the military, so although Cray was born in Columbus, GA, he grew up in various places such as Virginia, California, and Germany due to his father's postings, before the family settled in Tacoma, WA, in 1968. While living in Germany, Cray began studying piano and was influenced by artists like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. He became a Beatles fan and eventually switched from piano to guitar. A fortunate encounter with actor John Belushi led to Cray landing a role in the film National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) as part of the band Otis Day and the Knights. Cray later formed his own band and signed with Tomato Records in 1978, releasing his debut album "Who's Been Talkin'?" in 1980, though it did not sell well. He then moved to Hightone Records and in 1983 released the critically acclaimed album "Bad Influence." His next album, "False Accusations," received positive reviews but did not achieve significant sales. In 1985, Cray's breakthrough came with "Showdown!," recorded with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland, which earned him a Grammy and sold 250,000 copies. The following year, he signed with Mercury Records and released "Strong Persuader," widely regarded as his best work, winning him his second Grammy.
Cray toured globally, performing across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He appeared in the rock documentary Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll (1987) and released "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" in 1989, another album that sold over a million copies and garnered his third Grammy. His next album, "Midnight Stroll," shifted somewhat toward soul and R&B without losing his blues audience. In 1991, he performed at London's Royal Albert Hall alongside Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Jimmy Vaughan, and pianist Johnny Johnson. Later that year, he released the double album "24 Nights," featuring his Royal Albert Hall performances.
