Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Grammy-winner Robert Cray has spent five decades carving out a distinctive space in American music with his soulful voice, searing guitar work, and unmatched integrity.

Raised in Washington, Cray was inspired to pick up the guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV and watching Jimi Hendrix live. Since forming his first band in high school, he has gone on to sell millions of albums, win five Grammy Awards, be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and receive the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cray’s legendary collaborations include work with John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tina Turner, and the Rolling Stones. His 1986 breakthrough album, Strong Persuader, brought blues and soul to the MTV generation and launched him into international fame, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone and topping charts worldwide.

Over the years, Cray has continued to evolve. His recent albums—In My Soul, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, and That’s What I Heard—have been hailed among his best, blending deep Southern soul, funk, blues, and sharp songwriting with timeless relevance.

Now with 19 studio albums under his belt, Cray’s performances remain intense, heartfelt, and powerful. “All these years we have been fortunate to do what we love doing—playing the music we love,” says Cray. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Event link: https://solvangtheaterfest.org/concerts-and-events

Ticketing Link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=288335

Solvang Theaterfest, 420 Second Street, Solvang