Robert Cray was born in Columbus, Georgia on 1 August 1953. The family moved a good deal because his father was in the military.They settled in Tacoma, Washington in 1968.
Robert formed his first band with Richard Cousins in 1974 after they both toured with Albert Collins. It was not until Bad Influence was released in 1983 that Robert began to garner wider recognition. In 1987, his album Strong Persuader became the most successful blues album in more than two decades.
Robert has jammed with Eric Clapton on many occasions, most notable being the blues nights at the Albert Hall in 1990 and 1991. He appeared at Eric’s Crossroads Guitar Festival on 4, 5 and 6 June 2004 in Dallas, Texas.
Robert can be heard on Eric’s 1990 CD, Journeyman. On the album, Eric recorded Robert’s composition “Bad Influence” and the two wrote “Old Love” for the recording. He can also be heard on 24 Nights.
Robert Cray and his band will open for Eric for the Spring / Summer 2006 European Leg of Eric’s 2006 / 2007 World Tour.
