Veteran Musician Has Performed & Recorded With Legends of Blues & Rock n' Roll

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Although his name is not as recognized in pop music circles, blues guitarist Robert Cray has been plying his trade for close to five decades, earning five Grammys, while becoming one of the entertainment industry's most revered live performers. 70 years young, and the son of an Army veteran Cray discovered the guitar and blues coming of age in the 1960's. 

"I was already playing guitar long before high school. I was playing rock n' roll. In the 60's everything was on radio. My father was in the military so we moved a few times, and I listened to armed forces radio. I listened to Motown, and cats like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. 

Cray's family would eventually settle in Tacoma, Washington where his musical stylings began to change. "In high school I had some guitar playing friends who were listening to B.B. King, Elmore James, and Howlin' Wolf. Their music spoke to me. Back then their music wasn't played as much on mainstream stations, but to us it was way cool"

While he was still in school he was further influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Robert Johnson. By the time Cray turned 20 he had already witnessed the lives blues mastery of Albert Collins, Freddie King, and the legendary Muddy Waters. However it was Collins who had the biggest impact on Cray's early career.

"He actually played our high school in 1971. I was in awe of him. After a while I walked up to him and he said 'young man do you play guitar?', and of course I said yes. He replied 'keep it up'. I was 17 at the time, but that struck a chord in me. That motivated me."

That was the beginning of a friendship between Cray and Collins. A few years later Cray would front his own band, playing gigs in and around Eugene, Oregon. By the late 1970's and gaining regional popularity, Collins often asked Cray and his band to support him while Collins played in the northwest. "That was way cool. Here I was backing up one of my early influences."

As the 1980's were beginning to unfold Cray released three albums (Who's Been Talkin', Bad Influence, & False Accusations) that received critical acclaim from industry insiders, but it was the 1985 release 'Showdown', a collaborative album featuring Cray, Collins, and Johnny Copeland that cemented Cray's credibility in the blues genre.  The album won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Recording in 1986.

"I enjoyed immensely working in the studio with Albert. It was my first time meeting Johnny. Honestly, I felt honored to be able to record with both of them." Cray's rendition of Muddy Waters 'She's Into Something' is considered one of the standout numbers among the nine tracks on the album.

In 1986 Cray's fourth solo effort 'Strong Persuader' and the crossover hit 'Smoking Gun' (No# 2 Album Rock & No# 22 Billboard Hot 100) introduced him to a wider audience. Later that year he would take part in a couple of documentary concerts chronicling the upcoming 60th birthday of rock n' roll legend Chuck Berry, which director Taylor Hackford titled 'Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll'.

The movie was released in 1987. Among the musicians and or singers who contributed to the film were Roy Orbison, Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton, Julian Lennon, Linda Ronstadt, Chuck Leavell, and an American treasure vocalist Etta James.

Cray's invite was at the request of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. "That alone was extremely cool. I don't think 'Strong Persuader' had come out yet and I'm being asked to take part in a salute to a rock icon by another rock icon. I recall meeting Keith in a hotel, and I remember meeting Chuck and he was gracious." Among the numbers Cray was able to showcase his artistry on were 'Roll Over Beethoven', 'Back In the U.S.A.', and 'Brown Eyed Handsome Man'.

The combined exposure of 'Strong Persuader' and the documentary film put Cray's star on the rise. Not long after he'd be recording or sharing the stage with the likes of John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Clapton.

He recalls initially being star-struck, mostly due to their expertise, but says he was in their presence for a purpose. "I'll admit I'm a fan like anybody else. I'm in awe of their skill or technique. But I'm there because they like what I do, so I do what I do best. I play guitar."

Cray adds, "Take the Crossroads Guitar Festival (founded by Clapton in 1999). You're surrounded by the best of the best guitar players in the industry. You have a person who's a blues legend on one side of you, and a rock legend on the other side of you. It's hard not to get awestruck. But we're all getting our eight bars in, so it's all good."

20 studio albums over basically a 45 year career Cray has reached legendary status as well, but to ask him he's not as easily convinced. "I don't think along those terms. I'm honored to be able to do what I do, and to go out and perform for people. That's all I wanted to do since I was a teenager."

In 2011 Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame located in Memphis, Tennessee. "You know, it's humbling. I was somewhat surprised when it happened. But again I'm honored to be included among the greats in blues music."

Cray's most recent release 'That's What I Heard' (2020) met with rave reviews and topped the Billboard's Blues Album Charts. He still loves recording but relishes performing live even more. "I do. It's great to get on stage and see if I can outdo the night before. I still love to travel." He adds, "Recording and playing live are in my blood." 

Cray has been a lifelong Fender Guitar player, with a couple of their famed Stratocasters bearing his name. "They sell a couple of my signature guitars. I've been with Fender throughout my career. When something just feels right you stay with it."

Just as Robert Cray was influenced by fellow legends enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame, he admits there are some younger blues guitarists he feels will carry the torch for this generation. Two he's encouraged by are, "I like Kingfish (25yrs. old). He hails from Mississippi. And then there's this cat out of Denver named Nic Clark. He's played some opening slots for me."

Guitarists and blues lovers can see Robert Cray perform up close and personal, when he and his band play the historic Charleston Music Hall on Saturday February 10th. Charleston has been one of his many tour stops over the years. "I always look forward to playing in Charleston. It's great city. The crowds are always so welcoming."

When Cray has more time he appreciates exploring the city. "Absolutely. I did not have time last year. But in years past I've enjoyed going to the market, purchasing woven baskets. There are a lot of skilled craftsmen in the market. It's just a nice place to relax and spend some leisurely time." For tickets and info on Cray's show at the Charleston Music Hall visit https://www.charlestonmusichall.com/event/the-robert-cray-band-2/