I could not AGREE MORE! This man (Robert Cray) has always been an amazing talent. I was lucky enough to begin listening to him many moons ago. I cut my teeth on the Strong Persuader album and I loved every song. Amazing guitar player as well as a vocalist!
Mr Cray is the blues man that blues men listen to. His playing is fluid and he says what he wants in a tasteful way using just the right notes and number of notes unlike guys who cram a million notes at you and don't say much. Great episode! Thanks. Peace!
i opened for robert a few years back. his rig was guitar and 2 matchless dc30s. amazing tone.his ability to sing and play those syncopated parts is mind boggling.
Robert Cray is amazing. Always a gentleman. I completely agree he is overlooked. His album Strong Persuader literally introduced me to the blues along with the first Jeff Healey album. Happy to say I've seen Mr.Cray in a theater in Maine and he did not disappoint.
Robert Cray. One of my biggest influences. Dude just knows how to play, sing and write. I've seen him 4 times over the decades. Each time his set list was different and his playing was fluid. So smooth. He taught me how to play clean and fluid. Been a fan of his since the mid- eighties.
I saw him live in 2017 to an amphitheater of about 200 people. It felt like stepping into an era I never lived in, I tried to soak up everything I was listening to.
Mr. Cray is a great player, and his vocals are really top notch. Great job on your videos, Mike. Thanks for spreading the word about this wonderful music maker.
I just saw Robert Cray at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano and I was blown away. The very first thought I had was that he's one of the best underrated guitarists I've ever seen. His style is so unique and accomplished. Even his rhythm work is so eccentric and complex that it made it even more impressive that he was also singing so well at the same time! I'm so glad I made the effort to go see him. The concert was originally scheduled in November of 2020 and was repeatedly postponed (for obvious reasons) and I was so happy to catch him when he came back to Southern California. I would definitely see him again (though, hopefully, at a different venue).
Robert Cray is incredible. At the beginning you asked about underrated guitarists. I was floored when I heard Buckethead, not only did he have a technique I have never heard before with his nubbing technique. And on top of it the guy is a master of rock, blues, ambient, bluegrass and jazz and when he does an album in whatever style he chooses he sounds like someone who has been a master of that style all his life, like it is all he knows. It is crazy that guy is an unsung hero of the guitar.
Who knew that a guy wearing a KFC fried chicken bucket on his head would find it hard to be taken seriously? Really, he was recognized as a great player from day one, but what's with the bucket? Who is he?
@@mbmillermo I have a theory on that. I heard an interview he did without a puppet once. And my theory is that he has high functioning autism like Asperger’s syndrome. I have it myself so I can see it. Which makes a lot of sense given how much material he puts out and how centered he is on his playing and the way he is with people he works with.
I agree that Buckethead is pretty badass. What is this ‘Nubbing’ technique you are referring to? Can you describe how it’s done or give an example of it being used to check out?
Outstanding. Robert Cray is so gutsy, he doesn't use effects just guitar and amp - he doesn't hide behind anything. So his playing has to be perfect, every time.
Robert Cray is my favorite blues/soul guitarist of all time. Absolute legend! His voice is insanely beautiful and soulful too. Incredible to think he is simultaneously my clear cut favorite vocalist AND guitar player.
I saw Robert Cray concerts a few times. Each time i was amazed at how hard he hits the strings, hard but yet extremely delicate. Also what a powerfull and soulfull voice he has. I might even love his singing more than his guitarplaying! "Let's go like this!"😊
My parents turned me onto Robert Cray when I was fifteen or so back in and around ‘96. Loved him ever since. Actaully got to see him live at the crossroads guitar festival in bridgeview Illinois once! He deserves more recognition!
As well, I think that some of the reason that Robert Cray became overlooked is that when he burst on the scene with Smoking Gun, he was often lauded as "the next BB King", whatever that is supposed to mean. But after that, he never stopped growing and changing as an artist, and suddenly he wasn't quite as easily categorized by the mainstream music media. Yes, RC plays the blues, but his work became more about what was inside of himself and less about trying to fit a mold or becoming "the next" anything.
@@jeffgreenberg7170 Yeah, I think you're right about that-he does his own thing and that wasn't being the next BB. We know how the media has to categorize everybody and he didn't really fit any one thing. Quite an artist, lots of respect for Mr. Cray.
I remember as a kid watching Robert Cray play on crossroads. I just assumed I didn't know him because he was new or something (like when Gary Clark Jr. hit it big after a crossroads appearance a few years later). I was always surprised I didn't hear more of him after. I love his music and listen to a lot of it regularly. My favorite song by far is "This man"
Oh dang! Haha As I watched this, I assumed this would be some session wiz who you’d only recognize if you played on Steely Dan and Toto records back in the day. To my surprise and utter delight, it’s Robert Cray! My mom used to play him around the house a bunch when I was a kid, and some of those licks are absolutely chiseled into my memory. It’s great to see him get some love here, and it reminds me that I owe Mr. Cray a looooong overdue listen or two. Thanks for the great video!
I was lucky enough to be in college when he had his radio hits. bought his tapes back then, and finally saw him live in 2019. He has his own signature Fenders, and they're hardtail strats.
What a coincidence - I was just watching a ton of Robert Cray videos today! Big influence on me many years ago. "Some Rainy Morning" and "Sweet Potato Pie" are two of my favorite albums. His touch and timing and phrasing are SECOND. TO. NONE! Best voice in the blues too!
First heard cray a long time ago when watching a DVD of Clapton's Crossroads festival. Loved the man since then. That said, I do find a lot of people recognize him as great. I would throw Ray Parker Jr. out there as crazily underrated. The dude is a phenomenal guitar player, and no one seems to know it because of how Ghostbusters overshadows his career.
I saw Cray live in the 1990s and had a couple of his albums and he has always been one of my favorite blues players so I agree with everything you said and am glad you gave him some due acclaim.
Robert Cray has been one of my favorites for a while. He is great for tasteful playing. Not a flash, and envy thing fits the feel of the song. I like the way he mixes other genres in with his playing.
Thank you ! I couldn't agree more. Whenever I want to demonstrate my stereo system I put on Smokin' Gun and crank it up ! Most people don't know what they're listening to but they are amazed. Been following Robert for decades and have seen him live many times. He's a real road warrier.
I was sooooo obsessed with Old Love, specifically that live performance you mentioned in the video. I used to watch it every day. And that performance introduced me to Robert Cray. Eric's solo was amazing, but man, Robert's performance was somewhere else at another level. Very passionate phrasing, and it almost sounded like as if he strings were alive and screaming very elegantly. Eric's solo was very melodic and emotional, and Robert's solo was very "alive" and animal like. I was in utter shock that I had never heard of him before.
I guess I wouldn't say they're underrated, but guitar greats usually focus around rock, and sometimes blues. Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin, Joe Pass, Paco de Lucia, Jesse Cook, and plenty of others are great from different music styles that you don't typically see represented on those lists. I guess now it's time for me to go listen to Robert Cray for a while, because this is the first I've heard of him.
Saw Robert Cray live at Park City in 1975. His style is so smooth and flowing. One of the best blues shows I ever saw. Right up there with Cream. (Yea I'm a ROG - really old guy) Outdoors in a biig tent, we were able to worm our way up to the stage and watched most of the show from about 10 ft away from him. He was like the pink bunny, just one great song after another. He broke a string and in the middle of the tune his tech came out and switched him over to another Strat without missing a note it seemed. 2 Sets of magic I will always remember. Got to see Taj Mahal the same year, daughter was 11 and took her to her first blues show.
Robert Cray is an amazing player. Very much a player who isn’t brought up or discussed with the names of Clapton, SRV, et Al, but absolutely should. Looking at more modern players, Eric Gales kind of fits that today.
Robert Cray is soooo good. I remember listening to his tracks on repeat while driving around in my car on smoke breaks back in the day. I tried to introduce his music to everyone I knew.
If we stick to the definition of not getting the deserved credit IN THEIR TIME, I would strongly disagree. Rory was a real rock star, top notch guitar hero and he filled arenas all over Europe in his prime. He was serial winner of "best guitarist" polls in his lifetime and had a large fan base. He even was in the race to replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones. He was overlooked in the last 2 or 3 decades, but it seems like RUclips makes people rediscover him.
@@Rainyman63stateside though Rory didn’t get nearly the credit he deserved until RUclipsrs started talking about him 8 or 9 years ago. I grew up my whole life as a classic rock junkie. I’d go on Amazon and find “artists like the one you just bought” for hours on AOL. Never once heard his name pop up. Once I did though… holy hell
@@Rainyman63 I know Rory was very popular back in the 70's but right now, some of the people that into rock/blues music didn't even heard his name. He was a true master on guitar and his name should be mentioned with the top players.
I have seen Young Bob perform about a dozen times. First time was when he was opening for Eric Clapton, SRV, Duck Dunn & Phil Collins at the Oakland Coliseum, sometime just before Stevie died in the '80's. His Strong Persuader album had just released. He is still touring and playing a lot of dates, mostly smaller venues. Definitely a treat to see him perform.
Got to know about Cray thanks to a German guitar magazine I used to collect back during the 2000s, his tone and phrasing give me the same sort of glee I get from listening to Hiram Bullock. I also love Keb' Mo', another blues guitarist I've come to love during that time, even though he's more of an acoustic player.
Thanks for your video on Robert Cray! He is truly an amazing player. When I first heard is music in the 80's, the impact was much like SRV. I can remember when I heard it and how it impacted me. And like SRV, it was his voice that was just as prominent as his playing. One thing you didn't mention was his dedication to the Hardtail Stratocaster. The hardtail gives the Strat an attack like a Telecaster. Its a unique sound that he uses to mold his sound. I think its the reason you chose to play a Tele in your video. A Strat with a vibrato bridge just doesn't have that snap! I see a Robert Cray signature Stratocaster in my future and I'm blaming your video! :)
Bro. I am so glad to run across this video. Many, many years ago I remember hanging out with my much older brother in law. This guy had so much vinyl at the time. I remember him putting a Robert Cray album on and honestly, I was blown away by his vocals. I’d never heard of Robert Cray at the time. After about the 3rd song playing, I was hooked. I started looking him up and saw he was also a guitarist. I wasn’t even on my guitar journey at the time but I remember being drawn in by his “total” package. This dude is SO underrated. Pure talent and not hiding behind effects like a lot of today’s guitarist. I’d love to see him live one day.
@MikeCole I love the channel! Thank you for this video! I saw Robert Cray in concert last night, all because you turned me onto him! It was such an incredible and passionate performance
So underrated it's criminal seen him live at least 4 times blew my mind everytime just his songwriting skill alone sets him apart he is sitting on top of the world all by himself much love
Saw Robert Cray with Clapton a few years ago. Clapton's band was Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks. All of them on stage together. Got to hear them play Old Love together. Been obsessed with that song, myself, since Unplugged.
It's great to see people just now discovering him. I saw Robert Cray at least 4 times live, always a memorable show. His guitar playing is classic blues with one of the most soulful voices around. I had several of his CDs and tried to learn some of his songs.
I saw Robert Cray in Australia back in the early 90's when I was young (& him too) back in the "Don't be afraid of the Dark" era. He was awesome and he was flicking out his old plectrums across the audience heads like he was skimming stones across a lake. He is an awesome player
Wonderful video, homeboy. I just saw Robert last week. He’s currently on tour. If you have the chance, don’t miss him. Seen him about 10 times. He is The man!
since I listened Robert Cray for the first time back in 1990 He became undoubtedly one of my favorites all time!!! Very unique phrasing and style that is not other than RC.
Mike, the most underrated guitar player ever is your local unknown gig musician that plays in 40 bands, gigs all week in a 30 mile radius, plays in the church band, and scrapes out something about 1.5 times the poverty rate:) Too busy being a dad, married to a local girl so he cant handle touring, almost understands social media enough to get his songs seen...almost. That guy is like the best guitarist ever, except when he has to play the duct tape guitar bc people are always steeling his nice axe.
I saw Robert Cray a few years ago in a little theatre in Easton, MD. The Avalon. I had the worst seats in the house and I was in the 8th row. A great place to see a great concert.
Totally agree! I discovered him on the SRV Tribute album (everyone who loves blues needs to go listen to this right away!) and have been hooked since. Old Love is such a great song.
Robert Cray is the full package as a great singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He had a few years there in the '80s and '90s where he was big, but unfortunately doesn't always get his due today, even though he still sounds amazing. In answer to your opening question though, my pick for the most underrated guitar player is Ronnie Earl, another amazing blues player who is beloved by blues fans but completely unknown outside the genre.
Robert Cray is great! I have seen him live a few times. He has such a unique sound, you know its him within 3 notes. His songs also have that same quality to them. Such power and feeling in his vocals, lead playing and even rhythm. 'Right next door' and 'I was warned' are two great places to start if you're not familiar.
Dude. The best compliment I ever got was back in about 1992 when a stranger told me, "You've got some Robert Cray in there." I've been following him for close to 35 years. I've seen him play more times than I can count including just the other night. He has always been one of the greats. And there is soooooo much more to his artistry than the "Strong Persuader" album. I'm happy any time anyone appreciates him. Better late than never. I'd also argue that he's not underrated BECAUSE he has been praised his whole career by the people who matter: Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, Clapton, the Vaughan Bros,, B.B., and so, so many more. Things like Rolling Stones top 100 lists are always faulty and the best music and musicians tend to not be embraced by the masses a lot of the time. Cray is a road dog, an absolutely masterful guitar player, a riveting singer, and a great songwriter. I also get your point, but it's always been this way. Robert turns 70 later this year. May he live and play forever!
Years ago I was introduced to the Robert Cray album Strong Persuader. Got hooked on his other music,I been a fan ever since then.He is such a tasteful musician that plays with flow.
I was playing a show in Connecticut 15-20 years ago, and we had time to kill so I took a walk. It was a beautiful summer evening and boom, Robert Cray playing a free show at a park. He was incredible. Fan ever since.
RL Burnside is a blues musician that I came across a cpl years ago. Apparently, he didn't "make it" until his old age and passed away 7 years later. I absolutely love his work!
Mike! First of all, congratulations for your channel! I love it! Second, to me Robert Cray is the best! My favorte guitar player. Ive been to two of his concerts, and its just unbelievable and indescribable.
When I watch your vids, you always introduce me to players I’ve never listened too before. I listened to 'right next door' right after. Straight away I knew I was going to like it. Thanks man. Keep up the good work 😊
Robert Cray played in Brazil. October, 2019. I was with a huge skin damage, very ill, fever and blood in my face. And I decided to go see the show. It was so hard, but so amazing. I never played on the same way again. My favorite.
Old Love is such a great song. I wasn't familiar with that video of Clapton and Cray performing it on David Sanborn's show, so I had to watch it immediately after finishing this video.
You make a great point. Cray was a huge star for a time -- one of the rare blues artists of the '80s you'd regularly hear on Top 40 radio. So he had his day. But why didn't it last? It's hard to say because you wouldn't expect that kind of artist to be able to maintain that level of popularity. So I guess we had to expect him to come back down to earth. But why isn't he remembered more favorably buy guitarists? That I don't know. He was unique, so a little less bluesy than most blues artists. Maybe that difference set him apart enough that people don't think of him when they think of bluesmen or guitar slingers. His playing was in service of his songs and not meant to show off or to generate amazement.
After you talked a bit, I started to suspect you were going to say Robert Cray. Saw him warm up for Clapton in the eighties and he did Right Next Door. Definitely was great. Had a fresh, modern sound while also being a legit old -school blues tune. Thanks for a nice video
First saw Robert Cray when he supported Clapton in about 1986 and just loved his playing. Have been a big fan ever since. My wife and I always say Laugh out Loud is our song (if you know the lyrics you'll understand).
Nicely done! Cray is a guitar savage. The great guitarists know who the real dudes are and as you said you see them be their side at gigs like Crossroads.
Alright Mike--getting into some Robert Cray! Wish I'd seen this earlier. I'd say pretty much all of us veteran guitarists know and totally appreciate how incredibly good Cray is! He knows all about taste and how to work with space-great unique phrasing. Plus he's got one wicked vibrato too! I go way back being a fan of his-try 1979! Used to see him and Curtis Salgado on harp/vocals and his crack band at a small club all the time. They were doing one nighters up and down the west coast back then. This was back when Robert was playing a 335 and it's funny to me now, it took me awhile to get used to him on a Strat. Now I can't even fathom him on anything but a hard tail Strat. His tone is outrageous isn't it? I used to get a kick out of his Silver Strat with the Vargas Girl on it. One of my treasured experiences was hanging out with him after hours having a beer, picking his brain about everything I could think of. He recommended Gatemouth Brown, Albert Collins and, of course the other Albert. What a gracious, cool dude too! What always struck me was how much class he has, great stage presence too and he is one amazing singer. We all knew he was going to be a star, it was just a matter of time. It was so cool to see his picture on the cover of Rolling Stone after "Smoking Gun" broke. There is a chord voicing that he used to play that I've always loved, it's an A9 and is distinctive. Maybe you know it, it's got a G in the bass--XX5425. the first three notes are played with the ring, middle and first finger with the pinky playing the A on the 5th fret. It's a bit of a stretch to play but has a better sound than a straight 9th chord. It goes well with 13th chords on the 4 and 5 or other 9ths too. One of my favorite tunes of his these days is "What You Need (Good Man)" off of his Time will Tell album. Superb lyrics. Killer singing and leads. Yes, Robert Cray IS very underrated by the general fans but us guitarists know who he is.
I could rattle off a list of extremely underrated and underappreciated guitarists, but they all have one thing in common. They all usually make music that no one listens to, except musicians. Stuff like non rock related blues, jazz, fusion... Having said all that, John Mclaughlin of the Mahavishnu Orchestra is someone I never hear mentioned when it comes to great guitarist who never gets their due or even mentioned.
I found this post quite interesting, Mr. Cole. As a late-beginner to guitar, I have to say that Robert Cray was one of the names I knew best BEFORE I ever picked up the guitar or became a fan of blues music! Now since then, I've learned a whole bunch of other guitarists I hadn't known prior to my involvement, but the name Robert Cray is embedded in my memory from way back. So I was quite surprised to learn from you that he is so "underrated".
I saw Robert Cray the first time in 1982 opening for the Grateful Dead in Veneta Oregon. The next time I saw him he was headlining and SRV opened for him. This was shorty before Stevie died. He is very underrated.
Thanks again, Mike. I'm going to go try to play like Robert Cray now... Also, his signature Strat is pretty cool too. Interesting specs and there's a Mexican version and a Custom Shop version. I put a Mexican Robert Cray neck on my partscaster and I love it.
Robert Cray is in my top 5 guitarists. I don't have any particular order... it depends on my mood at the time. What I like about him is he has his own style that nobody copies. Reading the comments below makes me happy! I've listened to Mr Cray since the 80's (Bad Influence). I've seen him live and can't wait to see him again. Totally agree he is underreated! Great video, Mike! Thanks!
I was fortunate enough to see Robert Cray open for The Doobie Brothers this summer. My brother wanted to go to see him, i had no idea who he was. Incredibly entertaining, instantly became someone i listen to almost daily. He was better than Doobie Brothers. I'm so glad i got introduced to him by seeing him live. He definitely needs more credit, i vaguely recognized right next door when he played it but i was shocked that i had no idea who he was! Thanks for spotlighting him, us younger people need to listen!
I could not AGREE MORE! This man (Robert Cray) has always been an amazing talent. I was lucky enough to begin listening to him many moons ago. I cut my teeth on the Strong Persuader album and I loved every song. Amazing guitar player as well as a vocalist!
The one good thing about Robert being underrated is being able to see him in the smaller venues. He really is great.
Mr Cray is the blues man that blues men listen to. His playing is fluid and he says what he wants in a tasteful way using just the right notes and number of notes unlike guys who cram a million notes at you and don't say much. Great episode! Thanks. Peace!
Willie Nelson! His guitar skills are based off of Django.
i opened for robert a few years back. his rig was guitar and 2 matchless dc30s. amazing tone.his ability to sing and play those syncopated parts is mind boggling.
Robert Cray is amazing. Always a gentleman. I completely agree he is overlooked. His album Strong Persuader literally introduced me to the blues along with the first Jeff Healey album.
Happy to say I've seen Mr.Cray in a theater in Maine and he did not disappoint.
Jeff Healey's the most underrated for me
“That’s what I heard” is my favorite Robert Cray album
His live shows are worth seeing
He can share a stage with anyone
Always loved Robert Cray. Definitely underrated , also plays a hardtail strat.
Robert Cray. One of my biggest influences. Dude just knows how to play, sing and write. I've seen him 4 times over the decades. Each time his set list was different and his playing was fluid. So smooth.
He taught me how to play clean and fluid.
Been a fan of his since the mid- eighties.
I saw him live in 2017 to an amphitheater of about 200 people. It felt like stepping into an era I never lived in, I tried to soak up everything I was listening to.
I was lucky enough to see Robert Cray a few years ago. Just an amazing guitarist and singer, love his music!
Mr. Cray is a great player, and his vocals are really top notch. Great job on your videos, Mike. Thanks for spreading the word about this wonderful music maker.
I’ve seen him live several times and he’s inspiring. I think he was also in that movie Animal House playing with Otis Day and the Knights
It’s so cool to see Robert Cray getting some love here!😊
I just saw Robert Cray at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano and I was blown away. The very first thought I had was that he's one of the best underrated guitarists I've ever seen. His style is so unique and accomplished. Even his rhythm work is so eccentric and complex that it made it even more impressive that he was also singing so well at the same time! I'm so glad I made the effort to go see him. The concert was originally scheduled in November of 2020 and was repeatedly postponed (for obvious reasons) and I was so happy to catch him when he came back to Southern California. I would definitely see him again (though, hopefully, at a different venue).
Robert Cray's not only a great player, but his stage presence is especially engaging live
I just saw him this summer in Germany. It was insane and so inspiring. So much soul and feel
Robert Cray is incredible. At the beginning you asked about underrated guitarists. I was floored when I heard Buckethead, not only did he have a technique I have never heard before with his nubbing technique. And on top of it the guy is a master of rock, blues, ambient, bluegrass and jazz and when he does an album in whatever style he chooses he sounds like someone who has been a master of that style all his life, like it is all he knows. It is crazy that guy is an unsung hero of the guitar.
Who knew that a guy wearing a KFC fried chicken bucket on his head would find it hard to be taken seriously? Really, he was recognized as a great player from day one, but what's with the bucket? Who is he?
@@mbmillermo I have a theory on that. I heard an interview he did without a puppet once. And my theory is that he has high functioning autism like Asperger’s syndrome. I have it myself so I can see it. Which makes a lot of sense given how much material he puts out and how centered he is on his playing and the way he is with people he works with.
@@AniJudaism -- Thanks for the info! That is very interesting.
@@mbmillermo it’s just a theory don’t take it as fact. But something to keep in the back of your mind
I agree that Buckethead is pretty badass. What is this ‘Nubbing’ technique you are referring to? Can you describe how it’s done or give an example of it being used to check out?
Outstanding. Robert Cray is so gutsy, he doesn't use effects just guitar and amp - he doesn't hide behind anything. So his playing has to be perfect, every time.
Robert Cray is my favorite blues/soul guitarist of all time. Absolute legend! His voice is insanely beautiful and soulful too. Incredible to think he is simultaneously my clear cut favorite vocalist AND guitar player.
I saw Robert Cray concerts a few times. Each time i was amazed at how hard he hits the strings, hard but yet extremely delicate. Also what a powerfull and soulfull voice he has. I might even love his singing more than his guitarplaying!
"Let's go like this!"😊
My parents turned me onto Robert Cray when I was fifteen or so back in and around ‘96. Loved him ever since. Actaully got to see him live at the crossroads guitar festival in bridgeview Illinois once! He deserves more recognition!
Strong persuader is one the best albums ever. Bob can play.
Robert Cray is one of my favorite guitar players AND one of my favorite singers. He is fantastic at both.
As well, I think that some of the reason that Robert Cray became overlooked is that when he burst on the scene with Smoking Gun, he was often lauded as "the next BB King", whatever that is supposed to mean. But after that, he never stopped growing and changing as an artist, and suddenly he wasn't quite as easily categorized by the mainstream music media. Yes, RC plays the blues, but his work became more about what was inside of himself and less about trying to fit a mold or becoming "the next" anything.
@@jeffgreenberg7170 Yeah, I think you're right about that-he does his own thing and that wasn't being the next BB. We know how the media has to categorize everybody and he didn't really fit any one thing. Quite an artist, lots of respect for Mr. Cray.
I remember as a kid watching Robert Cray play on crossroads. I just assumed I didn't know him because he was new or something (like when Gary Clark Jr. hit it big after a crossroads appearance a few years later). I was always surprised I didn't hear more of him after. I love his music and listen to a lot of it regularly. My favorite song by far is "This man"
My wife and I saw Robert Cray a few years ago at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. Ultimate showman!
Oh dang! Haha As I watched this, I assumed this would be some session wiz who you’d only recognize if you played on Steely Dan and Toto records back in the day. To my surprise and utter delight, it’s Robert Cray! My mom used to play him around the house a bunch when I was a kid, and some of those licks are absolutely chiseled into my memory. It’s great to see him get some love here, and it reminds me that I owe Mr. Cray a looooong overdue listen or two. Thanks for the great video!
I was lucky enough to be in college when he had his radio hits. bought his tapes back then, and finally saw him live in 2019. He has his own signature Fenders, and they're hardtail strats.
What a coincidence - I was just watching a ton of Robert Cray videos today! Big influence on me many years ago. "Some Rainy Morning" and "Sweet Potato Pie" are two of my favorite albums. His touch and timing and phrasing are SECOND. TO. NONE! Best voice in the blues too!
Saw Robert Cray live. It was amazing. Will always remember that.
First heard cray a long time ago when watching a DVD of Clapton's Crossroads festival. Loved the man since then. That said, I do find a lot of people recognize him as great. I would throw Ray Parker Jr. out there as crazily underrated. The dude is a phenomenal guitar player, and no one seems to know it because of how Ghostbusters overshadows his career.
I saw Cray live in the 1990s and had a couple of his albums and he has always been one of my favorite blues players so I agree with everything you said and am glad you gave him some due acclaim.
Robert Cray's "Time makes two' is a phenomenal song. His performance on Clapton's Crossroads dvd was stunning!
Robert Cray has been one of my favorites for a while. He is great for tasteful playing. Not a flash, and envy thing fits the feel of the song. I like the way he mixes other genres in with his playing.
Thank you ! I couldn't agree more. Whenever I want to demonstrate my stereo system I put on Smokin' Gun and crank it up ! Most people don't know what they're listening to but they are amazed. Been following Robert for decades and have seen him live many times. He's a real road warrier.
I think a lot of people have never heard of Cornell Dupree, but he recorded on something like 2,500 songs. Check him out if you're one of them.
I was sooooo obsessed with Old Love, specifically that live performance you mentioned in the video. I used to watch it every day. And that performance introduced me to Robert Cray. Eric's solo was amazing, but man, Robert's performance was somewhere else at another level. Very passionate phrasing, and it almost sounded like as if he strings were alive and screaming very elegantly. Eric's solo was very melodic and emotional, and Robert's solo was very "alive" and animal like. I was in utter shock that I had never heard of him before.
Robert Cray is outstanding. Always glad to see an enthusiastic appreciation of his amazing work.
I guess I wouldn't say they're underrated, but guitar greats usually focus around rock, and sometimes blues. Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin, Joe Pass, Paco de Lucia, Jesse Cook, and plenty of others are great from different music styles that you don't typically see represented on those lists. I guess now it's time for me to go listen to Robert Cray for a while, because this is the first I've heard of him.
Saw Robert Cray live at Park City in 1975. His style is so smooth and flowing. One of the best blues shows I ever saw. Right up there with Cream. (Yea I'm a ROG - really old guy) Outdoors in a biig tent, we were able to worm our way up to the stage and watched most of the show from about 10 ft away from him.
He was like the pink bunny, just one great song after another. He broke a string and in the middle of the tune his tech came out and switched him over to another Strat without missing a note it seemed. 2 Sets of magic I will always remember. Got to see Taj Mahal the same year, daughter was 11 and took her to her first blues show.
Robert Cray is an amazing player. Very much a player who isn’t brought up or discussed with the names of Clapton, SRV, et Al, but absolutely should. Looking at more modern players, Eric Gales kind of fits that today.
Robert Cray is soooo good. I remember listening to his tracks on repeat while driving around in my car on smoke breaks back in the day. I tried to introduce his music to everyone I knew.
Rory Gallagher is the most underrated for me
If we stick to the definition of not getting the deserved credit IN THEIR TIME, I would strongly disagree. Rory was a real rock star, top notch guitar hero and he filled arenas all over Europe in his prime. He was serial winner of "best guitarist" polls in his lifetime and had a large fan base. He even was in the race to replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones. He was overlooked in the last 2 or 3 decades, but it seems like RUclips makes people rediscover him.
@@Rainyman63stateside though Rory didn’t get nearly the credit he deserved until RUclipsrs started talking about him 8 or 9 years ago. I grew up my whole life as a classic rock junkie. I’d go on Amazon and find “artists like the one you just bought” for hours on AOL. Never once heard his name pop up. Once I did though… holy hell
Rory is my favorite.
@@Rainyman63 I know Rory was very popular back in the 70's but right now, some of the people that into rock/blues music didn't even heard his name. He was a true master on guitar and his name should be mentioned with the top players.
Will give Strong Persuader a spin tomorrow.
Thank for bringing him on my radar again, because of you...😉
I have seen Young Bob perform about a dozen times. First time was when he was opening for Eric Clapton, SRV, Duck Dunn & Phil Collins at the Oakland Coliseum, sometime just before Stevie died in the '80's. His Strong Persuader album had just released. He is still touring and playing a lot of dates, mostly smaller venues. Definitely a treat to see him perform.
Got to know about Cray thanks to a German guitar magazine I used to collect back during the 2000s, his tone and phrasing give me the same sort of glee I get from listening to Hiram Bullock. I also love Keb' Mo', another blues guitarist I've come to love during that time, even though he's more of an acoustic player.
Thanks for your video on Robert Cray! He is truly an amazing player. When I first heard is music in the 80's, the impact was much like SRV. I can remember when I heard it and how it impacted me. And like SRV, it was his voice that was just as prominent as his playing. One thing you didn't mention was his dedication to the Hardtail Stratocaster. The hardtail gives the Strat an attack like a Telecaster. Its a unique sound that he uses to mold his sound. I think its the reason you chose to play a Tele in your video. A Strat with a vibrato bridge just doesn't have that snap! I see a Robert Cray signature Stratocaster in my future and I'm blaming your video! :)
Bro. I am so glad to run across this video. Many, many years ago I remember hanging out with my much older brother in law. This guy had so much vinyl at the time. I remember him putting a Robert Cray album on and honestly, I was blown away by his vocals. I’d never heard of Robert Cray at the time. After about the 3rd song playing, I was hooked. I started looking him up and saw he was also a guitarist. I wasn’t even on my guitar journey at the time but I remember being drawn in by his “total” package. This dude is SO underrated. Pure talent and not hiding behind effects like a lot of today’s guitarist. I’d love to see him live one day.
That song is my absolute favorite from him…. His live versions are just magnificent
He is awesome. I have a MIM Robert Cray strat. It is superb.
I’m thinking about getting one. So you really like it?
@MikeCole I love the channel! Thank you for this video! I saw Robert Cray in concert last night, all because you turned me onto him! It was such an incredible and passionate performance
So underrated it's criminal seen him live at least 4 times blew my mind everytime just his songwriting skill alone sets him apart he is sitting on top of the world all by himself much love
I saw Robert Cray play last month at a small venue near me in Toronto. Amazing player.
I love these videos, best guitar centered youtube channel in my opinion. Please keep making these!!
Saw Robert Cray with Clapton a few years ago. Clapton's band was Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks. All of them on stage together. Got to hear them play Old Love together. Been obsessed with that song, myself, since Unplugged.
Man I love Robert Cray , he is a fantastic Guitar player, singer and writer 👌
It's great to see people just now discovering him. I saw Robert Cray at least 4 times live, always a memorable show. His guitar playing is classic blues with one of the most soulful voices around. I had several of his CDs and tried to learn some of his songs.
I saw Robert Cray in Australia back in the early 90's when I was young (& him too) back in the "Don't be afraid of the Dark" era. He was awesome and he was flicking out his old plectrums across the audience heads like he was skimming stones across a lake. He is an awesome player
Wonderful video, homeboy. I just saw Robert last week. He’s currently on tour. If you have the chance, don’t miss him. Seen him about 10 times. He is The man!
since I listened Robert Cray for the first time back in 1990 He became undoubtedly one of my favorites all time!!!
Very unique phrasing and style that is not other than RC.
Mike, the most underrated guitar player ever is your local unknown gig musician that plays in 40 bands, gigs all week in a 30 mile radius, plays in the church band, and scrapes out something about 1.5 times the poverty rate:) Too busy being a dad, married to a local girl so he cant handle touring, almost understands social media enough to get his songs seen...almost. That guy is like the best guitarist ever, except when he has to play the duct tape guitar bc people are always steeling his nice axe.
I saw Robert Cray a few years ago in a little theatre in Easton, MD. The Avalon. I had the worst seats in the house and I was in the 8th row. A great place to see a great concert.
Totally agree! I discovered him on the SRV Tribute album (everyone who loves blues needs to go listen to this right away!) and have been hooked since. Old Love is such a great song.
My favorite for 25 yrs.
Robert Cray is the full package as a great singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He had a few years there in the '80s and '90s where he was big, but unfortunately doesn't always get his due today, even though he still sounds amazing. In answer to your opening question though, my pick for the most underrated guitar player is Ronnie Earl, another amazing blues player who is beloved by blues fans but completely unknown outside the genre.
Refreshing to see your appreciation for RC! He's def an underrated and unique player, been listening to him for years. Keep doing what u do!
Robert Cray is great! I have seen him live a few times. He has such a unique sound, you know its him within 3 notes. His songs also have that same quality to them. Such power and feeling in his vocals, lead playing and even rhythm. 'Right next door' and 'I was warned' are two great places to start if you're not familiar.
Dude. The best compliment I ever got was back in about 1992 when a stranger told me, "You've got some Robert Cray in there." I've been following him for close to 35 years. I've seen him play more times than I can count including just the other night. He has always been one of the greats. And there is soooooo much more to his artistry than the "Strong Persuader" album. I'm happy any time anyone appreciates him. Better late than never. I'd also argue that he's not underrated BECAUSE he has been praised his whole career by the people who matter: Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, Clapton, the Vaughan Bros,, B.B., and so, so many more. Things like Rolling Stones top 100 lists are always faulty and the best music and musicians tend to not be embraced by the masses a lot of the time. Cray is a road dog, an absolutely masterful guitar player, a riveting singer, and a great songwriter. I also get your point, but it's always been this way. Robert turns 70 later this year. May he live and play forever!
Years ago I was introduced to the Robert Cray album Strong Persuader. Got hooked on his other music,I been a fan ever since then.He is such a tasteful musician that plays with flow.
I was playing a show in Connecticut 15-20 years ago, and we had time to kill so I took a walk. It was a beautiful summer evening and boom, Robert Cray playing a free show at a park. He was incredible. Fan ever since.
Right next door solos are incredible. You find yourself listening to them over and over.😊
RL Burnside is a blues musician that I came across a cpl years ago. Apparently, he didn't "make it" until his old age and passed away 7 years later. I absolutely love his work!
RL Burnside is the real deal!
That's a real blueman right there!!!!!!
I was listening to Poor black mattie just a few hours ago! RL Burnside is awesome!
Mike! First of all, congratulations for your channel! I love it! Second, to me Robert Cray is the best! My favorte guitar player. Ive been to two of his concerts, and its just unbelievable and indescribable.
When I watch your vids, you always introduce me to players I’ve never listened too before. I listened to 'right next door' right after. Straight away I knew I was going to like it. Thanks man. Keep up the good work 😊
Robert Cray played in Brazil. October, 2019. I was with a huge skin damage, very ill, fever and blood in my face. And I decided to go see the show. It was so hard, but so amazing. I never played on the same way again. My favorite.
I love that Chicago Blues sound! I listen to his Greatest Hits album Heavy Picks a lot
So glad the you found out about Robert Cray. He is an amazing blues player to me. I feel like Buddy Guy is underrated
Finally one of my favorite most underrated guitar players, I so enjoy his playing and songwriting.
Old Love is such a great song. I wasn't familiar with that video of Clapton and Cray performing it on David Sanborn's show, so I had to watch it immediately after finishing this video.
You make a great point. Cray was a huge star for a time -- one of the rare blues artists of the '80s you'd regularly hear on Top 40 radio. So he had his day. But why didn't it last? It's hard to say because you wouldn't expect that kind of artist to be able to maintain that level of popularity. So I guess we had to expect him to come back down to earth. But why isn't he remembered more favorably buy guitarists? That I don't know. He was unique, so a little less bluesy than most blues artists. Maybe that difference set him apart enough that people don't think of him when they think of bluesmen or guitar slingers. His playing was in service of his songs and not meant to show off or to generate amazement.
First came across Robert Cray on the Friday Night Rock show on BBC Radio 1 with Tommy Vance.
Loved him ever since.
After you talked a bit, I started to suspect you were going to say Robert Cray. Saw him warm up for Clapton in the eighties and he did Right Next Door. Definitely was great. Had a fresh, modern sound while also being a legit old -school blues tune. Thanks for a nice video
Seen Robert Cray a few times in NYC and going to see him in 2 weeks again! Can't wait!
very nice to mention Sir Al McKay! great guitarist!
First saw Robert Cray when he supported Clapton in about 1986 and just loved his playing. Have been a big fan ever since. My wife and I always say Laugh out Loud is our song (if you know the lyrics you'll understand).
Nicely done! Cray is a guitar savage. The great guitarists know who the real dudes are and as you said you see them be their side at gigs like Crossroads.
Loved the album "Showdown!" that he did with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland!
Alright Mike--getting into some Robert Cray! Wish I'd seen this earlier. I'd say pretty much all of us veteran guitarists know and totally appreciate how incredibly good Cray is! He knows all about taste and how to work with space-great unique phrasing. Plus he's got one wicked vibrato too! I go way back being a fan of his-try 1979! Used to see him and Curtis Salgado on harp/vocals and his crack band at a small club all the time. They were doing one nighters up and down the west coast back then. This was back when Robert was playing a 335 and it's funny to me now, it took me awhile to get used to him on a Strat. Now I can't even fathom him on anything but a hard tail Strat. His tone is outrageous isn't it? I used to get a kick out of his Silver Strat with the Vargas Girl on it.
One of my treasured experiences was hanging out with him after hours having a beer, picking his brain about everything I could think of. He recommended Gatemouth Brown, Albert Collins and, of course the other Albert. What a gracious, cool dude too! What always struck me was how much class he has, great stage presence too and he is one amazing singer. We all knew he was going to be a star, it was just a matter of time. It was so cool to see his picture on the cover of Rolling Stone after "Smoking Gun" broke. There is a chord voicing that he used to play that I've always loved, it's an A9 and is distinctive. Maybe you know it, it's got a G in the bass--XX5425. the first three notes are played with the ring, middle and first finger with the pinky playing the A on the 5th fret. It's a bit of a stretch to play but has a better sound than a straight 9th chord. It goes well with 13th chords on the 4 and 5 or other 9ths too. One of my favorite tunes of his these days is "What You Need (Good Man)" off of his Time will Tell album. Superb lyrics. Killer singing and leads. Yes, Robert Cray IS very underrated by the general fans but us guitarists know who he is.
I could rattle off a list of extremely underrated and underappreciated guitarists, but they all have one thing in common. They all usually make music that no one listens to, except musicians. Stuff like non rock related blues, jazz, fusion...
Having said all that, John Mclaughlin of the Mahavishnu Orchestra is someone I never hear mentioned when it comes to great guitarist who never gets their due or even mentioned.
Roy Buchanan played Space rock but never gets his credit.
Still have a cd of his I bought back in the 80’s called Strong Persuader and think this song your talking about is on it! Great album!
Robert Cray was one of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard live. He’s still touring, go see him!
I found this post quite interesting, Mr. Cole. As a late-beginner to guitar, I have to say that Robert Cray was one of the names I knew best BEFORE I ever picked up the guitar or became a fan of blues music! Now since then, I've learned a whole bunch of other guitarists I hadn't known prior to my involvement, but the name Robert Cray is embedded in my memory from way back. So I was quite surprised to learn from you that he is so "underrated".
First time I heard him and his band play they were on a flat bed trailer in the middle of a wheat field at a keg party. Been a big fan ever sense.
I saw Robert Cray the first time in 1982 opening for the Grateful Dead in Veneta Oregon. The next time I saw him he was headlining and SRV opened for him. This was shorty before Stevie died. He is very underrated.
Thanks again, Mike. I'm going to go try to play like Robert Cray now... Also, his signature Strat is pretty cool too. Interesting specs and there's a Mexican version and a Custom Shop version. I put a Mexican Robert Cray neck on my partscaster and I love it.
Robert Cray is in my top 5 guitarists. I don't have any particular order... it depends on my mood at the time. What I like about him is he has his own style that nobody copies. Reading the comments below makes me happy! I've listened to Mr Cray since the 80's (Bad Influence). I've seen him live and can't wait to see him again. Totally agree he is underreated! Great video, Mike! Thanks!
Great video Mike, you're absolutely right - Robert Cray is just so good and his albums have so many great tunes....thanks for the vid!!
One the great unsung masters. Have been into Robert for many years.
I saw Robert Cray on the SRV tribute concert. Extremely unique style.
Great breakdown of Robert Cray's style. And your tone is awesome.
I was fortunate enough to see Robert Cray open for The Doobie Brothers this summer. My brother wanted to go to see him, i had no idea who he was. Incredibly entertaining, instantly became someone i listen to almost daily. He was better than Doobie Brothers. I'm so glad i got introduced to him by seeing him live. He definitely needs more credit, i vaguely recognized right next door when he played it but i was shocked that i had no idea who he was! Thanks for spotlighting him, us younger people need to listen!
Robert Cray, The Master of Clean.
Thanks for letting us know about Robert Cray