ROBERT CRAY BAND (original) (raw)

This is a FREE Headliner Show on the East & Chestnut Street Stage. Opening shows start at 7 PM, with headliners taking the stage at 9 PM. No tickets are required. All shows go on rain or shine. Bring chairs. Food and beverages are available for purchase. See Patron Policies for what you may and may not bring. Arrive early!

Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things–and more. The Georgia-born, Washington-raised musician first picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV, then, after witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, determined that his destiny would follow a similar path. And so he has: across the past half century, Robert Cray has developed into one of American music’s most singular artists.

From forming a teenage garage band, through to striding the stage alongside several of the world’s greatest guitarists, Robert Cray’s story is one of struggle and commitment. Struggle and commitment that led to Cray enjoying phenomenal success–selling millions of albums and countless concert tickets, winning five Grammy Awards, being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, recipient of the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award, designing two signature model Fender guitars–yet for Robert, what’s always mattered most is the music. Every note he plays counts, every song he sings is delivered as if it is his last: integrity and intensity are what have guided Cray’s musical career. He has never cheapened his output or delivered a substandard performance.

Think about it: Robert Cray has shared stage and/or studio with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Memphis Horns, and Hi Rhythm Section. Cray’s stinging guitar playing and soulful voice, his skills as a band leader and performer, mark him as keeper of the flame for American roots music, an artist who never fails to deliver

As an artist, Robert Cray has aged like fine wine–his voice has developed a greater range and expressiveness. At the same time, Cray’s guitar playing now possesses an additional depth, a growl that can hint at a caress then signal emotional upheaval.

Across five decades, Robert Cray has created a richly inclusive American music, revitalizing both blues and soul while rocking hard with the very best. To achieve 50 years in the music industry and still be as fresh and committed as when starting out is an achievement few can boast of, but Cray can: he has released 19 studio albums, every one replete with his extremely distinctive songs, won five Grammy Awards and continues to make music that sounds like no one but Robert Cray.

“Today is all that matters!”

The Robert Cray Band features:

Robert Cray – Guitar & Vocals

Richard Cousins – Bass

Dover Weinberg – Keyboards

Les Falconer – Drums