Album Information:

About Robert Cray:

Robert Cray is a Grammy award-winning blues guitarist and singer whose music has been described as a unique blend of blues, soul, and rock. He was born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in Tacoma, Washington.

Cray first started playing guitar at the age of 12, and soon after, he formed his first band, The One-Way Street. In the early 1970s, he joined the band Steakface, which played a mix of blues, rock, and soul music. In 1974, Cray formed The Robert Cray Band, which included bassist Richard Cousins and drummer Tom Murphy.

In 1980, The Robert Cray Band released their debut album, 'Who's Been Talkin',' which was a critical success. Their next album, 'Bad Influence,' released in 1983, received even more critical acclaim and featured the hit song 'Phone Booth.'

Throughout the 1980s, Cray and his band released several more successful albums, including 'Strong Persuader' in 1986, which won a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Blues Recording. This album featured the hit songs 'Smoking Gun' and 'Right Next Door (Because of Me).'

Cray continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, exploring different genres such as soul, R&B, and jazz. He has collaborated with many other musicians throughout his career, including Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker, and Bonnie Raitt.

As of 2021, Robert Cray has released over 20 albums and has won five Grammy awards. He continues to tour and perform live concerts around the world, and his music remains popular among blues and rock fans.

About the album Strong Persuader:

Strong Persuader is a classic blues album by American singer-songwriter and guitarist Robert Cray. The album was released in 1986 and became his breakthrough success, reaching the top 20 in the Billboard 200 chart, and winning a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Recording.

The album features nine tracks, all of which are co-written by Cray. The opening track, 'Smoking Gun,' immediately sets the tone with its soulful guitar riffs and catchy chorus. The song was a big hit for Cray and remains one of his most well-known tracks.

The album's sound is a mix of blues, soul, and R&B, with Cray's soulful vocals and searing guitar work as the centerpiece. He is backed by a tight rhythm section that drives the songs forward with a kinetic energy.

Other standout tracks on the album include the funky 'I Guess I Showed Her,' the slow-burning 'Right Next Door (Because Of Me),' and the ballad 'Nothing But A Woman,' which features some of Cray's most poignant guitar work.

One of the album's biggest strengths is its production, which is polished and clean without sacrificing the rawness and emotion of the performances. The tracks are expertly arranged and layered, with a focus on Cray's guitar work and vocal phrasing.

Overall, Strong Persuader is a classic blues album that showcases Robert Cray's considerable talents as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist. Its catchy hooks and soulful performances still hold up today and make it a must-listen for fans of blues, R&B, and soul music.

Members:

Robert Cray is an American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter, known for his soulful voice and intricate guitar solos. While he has collaborated with many musicians over the years, his key band members have included:

1. Richard Cousins (bass guitar):
Richard Cousins was Robert Cray's longtime bassist who played with Cray for more than 30 years until he passed away in 2017. Cousins was an American musician born on June 29, 1949, in California. He became known as a bassist and founder of the band The Rhythm Rockers in the early 1970s before joining Robert Cray's band in the 1980s.

2. Jim Pugh (keyboard):
Jim Pugh joined Robert Cray's band as a keyboardist in the 1990s. Pugh is an American keyboardist, composer, and record producer born on March 23, 1956, in California. He has played and recorded with many other musicians including Etta James, Steely Dan, and Chris Isaak.

3. Tony Braunagel (drums):
Tony Braunagel became Robert Cray's drummer in the 2000s and has played on many of his albums. He is an American drummer, composer, and producer who has played with Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, and B.B. King, among others. He was born on October 17, 1949, in California.

4. Dover Weinberg (keyboard):
Dover Weinberg played keyboards for Robert Cray in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Weinberg is an American keyboardist who has also played with other blues and jazz musicians such as Dr. John, Albert King, and Freddie King.

Each of these musicians has made valuable contributions to Robert Cray's sound and style over the years, helping to create some of the most soulful and memorable blues music of recent times.

Track List for Strong Persuader:

1. Smoking Gun - (4:07) This track opens the album with Robert Cray's signature blues guitar riffs and soulful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a lover who has been caught cheating and the consequences of their actions.

2. I Guess I Showed Her - (3:39) This track features a catchy guitar melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics describe a man who has moved on from a broken relationship and is now living a happier life without his ex-lover.

3. Right Next Door (Because of Me) - (4:20) Considered one of Robert Cray's most popular songs, this track tells the story of a man who inadvertently becomes involved in his neighbor's relationship. The smooth guitar playing and heartfelt vocals make it a standout track on the album.

4. Nothin' But a Woman - (3:56) This track features a driving bass line and bluesy guitar riffs. The lyrics pay tribute to the power of women and how they have the ability to drive men crazy.

5. Still Around - (4:00) This song has a slower tempo and a haunting guitar melody, with lyrics that describe a man who is still struggling to get over a past lover.

6. More Than I Can Stand - (2:59) This track is a classic blues number featuring Robert Cray's impressive guitar skills and soulful vocals. The lyrics are about a man who is overwhelmed with emotion over a lost love.

7. Foul Play - (3:28) This high-energy track features a mix of funky guitar riffs and driving percussion. The lyrics describe suspicion and distrust in a relationship that may be falling apart.

8. I Wonder - (3:54) This track has a slow, emotional tempo, with lyrics that describe a man who is questioning whether his lover really cares about him. The guitar solo towards the end of the song is a highlight.

9. Fantasized - (3:22) This track features a catchy guitar riff and upbeat tempo, with lyrics that describe a man who is imagining the perfect relationship.

10. New Blood - (3:57) This track closes the album with a mix of soulful guitar playing and lyrics that describe a man who is moving on from a past relationship and finding new love.

Discography for Robert Cray:

Here is the complete discography of Robert Cray with all albums, singles, and other releases in chronological order:

Albums:

1. Who's Been Talkin' (1980)
2. Bad Influence (1983)
3. False Accusations (1985)
4. Strong Persuader (1986)
5. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1988)
6. Midnight Stroll (1990)
7. I Was Warned (1992)
8. Shame + A Sin (1993)
9. Some Rainy Morning (1995)
10. Sweet Potato Pie (1997)
11. Take Your Shoes Off (1999)
12. Shoulda Been Home (2001)
13. Time Will Tell (2003)
14. Twenty (2005)
15. Live from Across the Pond (2006)
16. This Time (2009)
17. Cookin' in Mobile (2010)
18. Nothin But Love (2012)
19. In My Soul (2014)
20. 4 Nights of 40 Years Live (2015)
21. Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm (2017)
22. That's What I Heard (2020)

Singles:

1. 'Too Many Cooks' (1980)
2. 'Phone Booth' (1986)
3. 'Smoking Gun' (1986)
4. 'Right Next Door (Because of Me)' (1987)
5. 'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark' (1988)
6. 'Playin' With My Friends' (1992)
7. 'I Shiver' (1992)
8. 'Consequences' (1993)
9. 'The Forecast (Calls for Pain)' (1995)
10. 'Love 2009' (2009)
11. 'Won't Be Coming Home' (2012)

Other Releases:

1. Heavy Picks - The Robert Cray Band Collection (1999)
2. Live at the BBC (2008)
3. The Definitive Collection (2007)
4. Hi Rhythm (2017) - Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm (LP)
5. Bonus Disc (2017) - Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm (DVD)

Note: This discography includes studio albums, live albums, compilation albums, and other official releases up until November 2020.