The Robert Cray Band

The Robert Cray Band

The Robert Cray Band is an American blues group from Eugene, United States. It forms around singer, guitarist and composer Robert Cray, and its line-up includes Richard Cousins, Les Falconer, Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Pugh and Karl Sevareid. The group is active from 1974 onwards and is associated with blues, blues rock and electric blues.

History

The band launches in 1980 with Who’s Been Talkin, following touring in the United States during the late 1970s. The recording is made in 1978, then shelved for two years before release on Tomato, with the album also appearing through Atlantic in the United States and Charly in the United Kingdom. After regional success, Cray signs to Mercury in 1982.

A later association with producer and songwriter team Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker at Hightone shapes the albums Bad Influence (1983) and False Accusations (1985). The band completes its first European tour in 1984 and receives critical acclaim. In 1986, Strong Persuader, produced by Walker, brings wider recognition, helped by the crossover single “Smoking Gun”.

Albums, collaborations and recognition

The band’s work with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland on Showdown! (1985, Alligator) receives a Grammy Award. Strong Persuader also receives a Grammy Award. Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark follows in 1988, recorded in Los Angeles and featuring David Sanborn on guest saxophone; its title song wins Cray a third Grammy. Cray also appears on Eric Clapton’s Journeyman and performs at Clapton’s eighteen-show run at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

In 1991, Cray presents Howlin’ Wolf’s induction trophy to Wolf’s widow, Lilly Burnett, at the sixth annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards. Later that year he appears at the Newport Jazz Festival with B. B. King and John Lee Hooker.