Who is Robert Cray

Robert Cray in a 1998 concert in Philadelphia.

Robert Cray started playing guitar in his early teens. At Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, his love of blues and soul music flourished as he started collecting records. Originally, Robert Cray wanted to become an architect, but at about the same time he was going to study design in architecture he formed a local band "Steakface", described as "the best band from Lakewood you never heard of". Cray on guitar and vocals contributed greatly to Steakface's set list of songs by Jimi Hendrix, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Fleetwood Mac, The Grease Band, Blodwyn Pig, Jethro Tull, Spirit and The Faces.

By the time he was twenty, Cray had seen his heroes Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters in concert, and decided to form his own band. His band started playing college towns on the West Coast. After several years of regional success, Cray was signed to Mercury....(read more)

I can hear the couple fighting right next door
Their angry words sound clear thru these thin walls
Around midnight I heard him shout 'unfaithful woman'
And I knew right there the axe was gonna fall...

It's because of me
It's because of me

I heard him shout "who is he", she mumbled low
He said 'baby don't you lie to me no more'
And I'm listening thru these thin walls, in silence and shame
As she called out my name I was right next door

It's because of me
It's because of me
Because of me
It's because of me

She was right next door and I'm such a strong persuader
Well she was just another notch on my guitar
She's gonna lose the man that really loves her
In the silence I can hear their breaking hearts
Oh oh oh oh

At daybreak I hear him pack and say goodbye
I can hear him slam the door and walk away
Right next door I hear that woman start to cry
I should go to her but what would I say

It's because of me
It's because of me
Because of me
Young Bob

She was right next door and I'm such a strong persuader
Well she was just another notch on my guitar
She's gonna lose the man that really loves her
In the silence I can hear their breaking hearts X 2

In the movie National Lampoon's Animal House (1978). The bass player in the band Otis Day and the Knights is a young, bluesman Robert Cray. Cray was instrumental in getting the musicians together that appeared as the band.

Who's Been Talkin' - 1980
Bad Influence - 1983
False Accusations - 1985
Showdown! - 1985 (recorded with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland)
Strong Persuader - 1986
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark - 1988
Midnight Stroll - 1990
I Was Warned - 1992
Shame + A SIN - 1993
Some Rainy Morning - 1995
Sweet Potato Pie - 1997
Take Your Shoes Off - 1999
Shoulda Been Home - 2001
Time Will Tell - 2003
Twenty - 2005
Live From Across The Pond - 2006
Live At The BBC - 2008