Robert Cray Band

Robert Cray Band has a long history of releasing blues and soul music, earning five Grammy Awards. After releasing his Grammy Award-winning album ‘Strong Persuader’ in 1986, featuring the crossover hit ‘Smoking Gun,’ Robert Cray cemented his status as a formidable force in blues and soul music. Cray formed the Robert Cray Band in the late 1970s, making an uncredited appearance as a bassist in the 1978 film ‘National Lampoon’s Animal House.’ He released his debut album, ‘Who’s Been Talkin”, in 1980 on Tomato Records, followed by ‘Bad Influence’ and ‘False Accusations’ on HighTone Records in the mid-1980s, establishing a strong live presence across the US and Europe. In 1985, Cray collaborated with blues legends Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland on the acclaimed album ‘Showdown!,’ and signed with Mercury Records in 1986.

Cray’s career includes significant collaborations and high-profile performances. In 1986, he recorded with Ted Hawkins as ‘Night Train Clemons.’ In 1987, Keith Richards invited him to back Chuck Berry for the film ‘Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock ‘N’ Roll,’ and Tina Turner featured Cray in her 1987 ‘Break Every Rule’ television special.

Throughout the late 1980s, Cray opened for Eric Clapton and headlined numerous sold-out shows. He contributed guitar to John Lee Hooker’s albums ‘Boom Boom’ and ‘The Healer’ (1990s), backed Hooker on ‘Mr. Lucky’ (1992), and appeared on B.B. King’s 1993 album ‘Blues Summit.’ Cray also performed at the prestigious ‘Guitar Legends’ concerts in Seville, Spain, in 1992.

Robert Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011, and in 2017, received the prestigious Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance. His continued touring and recording ensure his indelible mark on blues and soul music.