Robert Cray Net Worth

Robert Cray Net Worth: A Look at the Blues Legend’s Success

Robert Cray is a celebrated American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has thrilled audiences with his exceptional guitar playing skills and soulful music across the world for over four decades. Cray’s contribution to the blues genre has earned him accolades, including five Grammy Awards. This article delves into Robert Cray’s net worth, career achievements, and personal life.

What is Robert Cray’s Net Worth and Salary?

As of 2021, Robert Cray has an estimated net worth of $6 million. He made a significant part of his fortune from his successful music career. Cray’s debut album, “Who’s Been Talkin’,” released in 1980, announced his arrival on the music scene. His subsequent albums, including “Bad Influence,” “False Accusations,” and “Strong Persuader,” were commercially successful. The latter, released in 1986, won Cray a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He has released a total of 23 studio albums, and his latest, “That’s What I Heard,” was released in August 2020.

Apart from music, Cray has also acted in films and television shows. He featured as the lead guitar player in the movie “Animal House” and appeared in an episode of the TV series “The Defenders.” He also wrote the soundtrack for the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”

Early Life and Education

Robert Cray was born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia. He grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where he began playing the guitar in his teenage years. He was inspired by blues guitarists like Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, and Chuck Berry. Cray learned to play the guitar by listening to recordings of these blues legends and playing along with them.

Cray attended Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, where he formed his first band, The One-Way Street. After completing high school, he joined the Army National Guard and played in a military band.

Career

Robert Cray’s music career began in the late 1970s when he moved to Eugene, Oregon, with his band, The Robert Cray Band. They played in local clubs and bars and gained a cult following. In 1980, the band signed a recording contract with Tomato Records and released their debut album, “Who’s Been Talkin’,” in the same year. The album received critical acclaim, and Cray’s guitar prowess caught the attention of blues legend Albert Collins, who invited him to play on his album, “Frozen Alive.”

Cray’s popularity grew, and in 1982, he signed a recording contract with Hightone Records and released his second album, “Bad Influence.” He followed it up with albums like “False Accusations,” “Strong Persuader,” and “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” which became commercial successes and earned him Grammy Awards.

Apart from his successful music career, Cray has also been involved in humanitarian efforts. In 2012, he joined Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, and Steve Berlin in the Experience Hendrix Tour, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. The proceeds from the tour were donated to organizations that provide music education to underprivileged children. Cray has also been involved in supporting veterans’ causes and has performed at several fundraising events for the Veterans Administration.

Personal Life

Robert Cray is married to Susan Turner-Cray, and they have two children. He keeps his personal life private and rarely talks about it in interviews. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and playing golf.

Real Estate

Robert Cray owns a home in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has lived since the 1980s. The home sits on a hill overlooking the Bay, and Cray has described it as his sanctuary. He has said that he finds inspiration for his music while sitting on his deck, watching the boats sail by.

Legacy

Robert Cray’s contribution to the blues genre has earned him a prominent place in music history. He has played with some of the biggest names in the industry and has inspired generations of guitarists. In 2011, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How did Robert Cray get into music?

Robert Cray started playing the guitar in his teenage years and was inspired by blues guitarists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. He learned to play by listening to recordings of these blues legends and playing along with them.

2. What is Robert Cray’s most successful album?

Robert Cray’s most successful album is “Strong Persuader,” which was released in 1986. The album won Cray a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album and included the hit single “Smoking Gun.”

3. What awards has Robert Cray won?

Robert Cray has won five Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary Blues Album for “Strong Persuader” and Best Traditional Blues Album for “Take Your Shoes Off.”

4. Who has Robert Cray played with?

Robert Cray has played with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Albert Collins.

5. Does Robert Cray have any acting experience?

Yes, Robert Cray has acted in films and television shows. He featured as the lead guitar player in the movie “Animal House” and appeared in an episode of the TV series “The Defenders.”

6. What causes has Robert Cray supported?

Robert Cray has been involved in several charitable causes, including supporting music education for underprivileged children and fundraising events for the Veterans Administration.

7. Does Robert Cray still perform?

Yes, Robert Cray is still actively performing and touring. His latest album, “That’s What I Heard,” was released in August 2020.

8. Where does Robert Cray live?

Robert Cray lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has a home that overlooks the Bay.

9. What is Robert Cray’s signature guitar?

Robert Cray’s signature guitar is a Fender Stratocaster with a custom Charcoal Frost finish.

10. Has Robert Cray written any books?

No, Robert Cray has not written any books.

11. What is the inspiration for Robert Cray’s music?

Robert Cray’s music is inspired by the blues and gospel music that he grew up listening to. He has also cited Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, and Edgar Winter as his musical influences.

12. Does Robert Cray have any upcoming tours?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert Cray’s upcoming tours have been rescheduled. You can check his website for updates on his tour schedule.

13. How many albums has Robert Cray released?

Robert Cray has released a total of 23 studio albums, with his latest, “That’s What I Heard,” released in August 2020.

14. Did Robert Cray ever play in the military?

Yes, Robert Cray was in the Army National Guard and played in a military band.

15. Has Robert Cray ever won any Blues Music Awards?

Yes, Robert Cray has won several Blues Music Awards, including Album of the Year for “Strong Persuader” and Contemporary Blues Album of the Year for “In My Soul.”