Robert Cray is a native of Columbus, Georgia and is described as the heir to blues legends such as Buddy Guy and Freddie King, but is recognized on his own merits.
Cray started playing guitar when he was a teenager, inspired by the musicians he saw in Georgia’s Blues clubs. His family relocated to Virginia, where he played in The One-Way Street, his first band. The family moved again, finally settling in Eugene, Oregon, where he played college gigs. It was there he decided to found the Robert Cray Band. He released his first album, “Who’s Been Talkin’,” in 1980.
He broke through with “Strong Pretender,” which dropped in 1986 on the Mercury label. It climbed into the top 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, and spawned a crossover hit “Smoking Gun.” The album went on to win the Grammy in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Album.
He has continued recording, releasing more than 20 albums and winning a total of five Grammys. His most recent release is 2020’s “That's What I Heard.”
A concert review says:
“ . . . until I saw The Robert Cray Band perform live, I didn’t fully comprehend the extent of his talent.”
The Robert Cray Band will appear at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 3. When they book concerts like this, organizers can help them by using poster printing to create advertising.