Robert Cray: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Bringing blues music to the Top 40 isn't easy: Only a handful of musicians have done it in the 30 years Robert Cray has spent winning awards, selling millions of records and otherwise kicking around on the national stage. But Cray has, crossing over from blues-club stages to arenas with the double-platinum 1986 album Strong Persuader and its single "Smoking Gun," and has continued to stick around as one of the most reliably gifted and accessible guitarists around.
For all the attention Cray receives as an instrumentalist, it's his smooth, smoky voice that really sells his music. Equal parts soul man and blues belter, he presides over a crack band - bassist Richard Cousins, keyboardist Jim Pugh and drummer Tony Braunagel, who performs here by tapping a wooden box - at this Tiny Desk Concert in the NPR Music offices.
Like any great blues singer, Cray makes heartache and other romantic dysfunction sound engaging and relatable: Ironically, if not surprisingly, his saddest song here (yes, sadder than "Sadder Days") is the one called "I'm Done Crying." But all three of these tracks, culled from Cray's new album Nothin But Love, execute the deftest possible blend of emotional misery and instrumental majesty - just the way the blues ought to be.
Set List
"Sadder Days"
"(Won't Be) Coming Home"
"I'm Done Cryin'"
Credits
Producer: Bob Boilen; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Christopher Parks, Ryan Smith; photo by Lauren Rock/NPR

[@LMB1995100]

No fuzz, no overdrive, no equalizer, no reverb... PURE guitar, pure talent!

[@waynethomas4728]

Maybe a bit of chorus?

[@christinea.c.3973]

I'm catching this in 2023. Anyone else. Amazing voice. And wow, can he sing the blues with heart and soul.

[@taxationistheft711]

Been enjoying this for the last 10 years !

[@SandraSchuster-ut2nk]

He is still touring? ... really? ❤😊

[@SandraSchuster-ut2nk]

Thank you in advance, already learned sth today ❤😊

[@jlove7723]

same here and I have to revisit every so often since then @@taxationistheft711

[@samrsmiley]

I’m here in 2024

[@kurdtpatton5039]

I had a teacher that once said ” Robert Cray has the soul of Stevie Wonder and the hands of Jimmie Hendrix, but he's smooth like Clapton".

[@donitsi6095]

How is this so accurate 😂

[@vandergod]

High praise and well deserved. My first Robert Cray album was Strong Persuader. He’s been a favorite ever since.

[@geoffreybreasley9845]

I showed Mr Cray how to play guitar,and sing I'm satisfied with him

[@pashinichhaporia]

@@geoffreybreasley9845 how?? and when?

[@xo5042]

Boom!

[@James_Russell]

Man, this is so good. Got lost in this for 20 minutes, while driving. Thank you Mr. Cray.

[@mattappenzeller3556]

Have seen him three times in three separate decades... super musician. The thing about these Tiny Desk concerts with the intimate settings, you can't fake anything. You either have it or you don't. Cray has got it, and he always has.

[@djameloveskyFILMS]

Who is watching and listening to this legend during lockdown

[@petertiffany8096]

I am. Thinking about getting a hard tail strat because of him. He is awesome.

[@tinamarie6709]

I am , he is a Legend, sadly this is happening. To so many people during this Covid19. I love this blues man's music though

[@nideckidiomas6398]

I am

[@CrazyZ66]

The man is GOD! What a talent!

[@jt3483]

Saw him live last year (or the year before maybe?) and he was incredible... Voice, pristine playing, lyrics, everything... the man

[@fredbeck8011]

In the mid 80s when a black blues man was almost unheard of on rock radio, Robert Cray broke through in a big way. Hearing him sing and play in this more recent show demonstrates why he was big then and why he still delivers decades later. Superb vocals and guitar work. Nothing pretentious about this guy. Robert Cray is the real deal.

[@9429944]

It is said that with great musicians you can recognize them by their sound right away because they sound like nobody else.............this is certainly the case with Robert Cray

[@jjaywill]

9429944 Could not agree more!

[@russelledwardsedwards144]

9429944. I said the same thing in another video post of him. You right.

[@thomasweldon8935]

SMOKIN' lead guitar, like no other !!

[@Oystersgetclamydia]

I was thinking the same and about how artists make a strat sound so unique to them.

[@JohnDoe-jc3cl]

@@Oystersgetclamydia Right. The same Stratocaster all in different hands. “It’s in the hands” - Eddie Van Halen

[@Jake24378]

Cray is one of the absolute best blues players ever. Thats it. Really.

[@bobwagemakers5055]

You need a confirmation I see. I fully agree Jake.

[@hdguy350]

Robert has always been my favorite musician, blues and otherwise. I discovered him when I was 18 and Smoking Gun came out. It was the reason I got a CD player, was the first CD I bought. He opened a whole world of music to me. I love the Blues, and I thank Robert for that.

[@irishseano]

Same,only I bought a guitar and it’s been a dance ever since

[@roybarnes-thewildlifeman1855]

Yep, for me, all other performers, musicians, singers and artists pale when compared to this man. He is so very special.

[@dardoargot8121]

Me too😂

[@quickflipbeats]

just found out about robert cray, im 20 yrs old and from a younger perspective i find his music is timeless and amazing. Guitar playing is something else!

[@stephenyoung690]

Welcome to real music and real musicianship!

[@ARLO999]

Good for you...25 now...where does the time go...

[@noelliastarr5853]

they are all so talented. he is a shining star.

[@petehoward8494]

Carry it forward, Luke.

[@nicoleamicone]

Im 30 this is great news. I wouldnt know about cray if it wasnt for my mom/dad

[@songsfromspringcreekave821]

I play guitar, and that's what initially drew me to Robert Cray. I never really cared that I can't sing for shit, I just wanted to play guitar. But listening to Robert makes me wish I could sing. He is a gift.

[@JayCGuitarman]

Everybody would wish for voice Like Robert Cray has. So is one of my favorite songs of him called "Share what you've got, Keep what you need" His voice in that song is just mindblowing good

[@jsphotos]

Better than any musician I heard on this year's Grammy's. TALENT!

[@jamesmcgrew7531]

I was just thinking the same thing. Sad

[@maraviyoso8473]

Well, he's won several Grammys himself

[@tombellani2772]

There are good musicians and then legends ... the latter don't need any special effects or pedals, just their clean guitar and voice. God bless Robert Cray for reminding us all what music is all about.

[@nickharris9761]

That’s not a clean guitar - there is tremolo on that with a tiny bit of chorus

[@sixbladeknife44]

There are flashier guitarists (although in this case, less is always more), but very few with the soul, songs and voice...the whole package indeed.

[@floydrudolph321]

Thanks NPR sound engineers. Its so good hearing clear and live Robert Cray. Tiny desk concerts the best.

[@trentbaugher60]

Absolutely stunning vocalist and guitar-player.

[@davidcox5588]

Saw RC last weekend (2/17/24) in Charlottesville. Voice and guitar skills are still amazing! And his band was phenominal!

[@thegoldenchild76]

Man, I'm feeling this! Just poured myself some gin, kicked my legs up and smiled... did I mention I'm at work?

[@thetwoboyos8366]

Your a bus driver😱

[@DietAfro]

My man cheers 🍻

[@bluespig1]

@@thetwoboyos8366 no, regular government employee.

[@pen2199]

@@thetwoboyos8366 laffin my head off

[@stanypensaert3720]

Saw him last Saturday in Brussels: his voice is exactly as 40 years ago. The joy the band plays enthused the audience... Great artist!

[@PeterSpaeter96]

I'm happy to hear so. I'm going to see him this saturday.

[@VCT3333]

Soulful singing combined with tasty, restrained guitar that complements the singing. Reminiscent of Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Albert King and the like. Such a great musician. He always delivers a fantastic live show.

[@EllenSonghurst]

One of the best....yes indeed, Robert Cray!

[@simonbeard7537]

Intelligence meets emotion = Robert Cray. I've been loving this man's music for many years.

[@propstick]

I've been a Robert Cray fan since I first found his music in 1988. I could listen to him for days on end.

[@TorToroPorco]

I’ve always loved the clean Strat tone sound he uses. Unadorned but so expressive.

[@aclinton415]

I got introduced to Robert Cray from my grandmother, r.i.p Linda Lockette. I can hear her now. " Grandson, let me show you something, what i listen to." Those types of memories can't be replaced. A night of life lectures, e&j poured, and cool cigarette smoke. She put me on the sweet potato album at that time. I was 19, and now 35, I can say I'm appreciative of this man music and also my grandmother for showing me what true talent looks like and used.

[@irishseano]

What a gift she gave you

[@charlesmolinari1570]

Back in the mid Nineties a few friends and I got to see him for a recording of Sessions on Fifty-Fourth Street at Sony Music in Manhattan. We sat less than ten feet from the band. We were told that if the band didn't get something quite right, they might have to do more than one take of a song or two. That must have been their experience with other artists. Suffice it to say, these guys didn't need any second takes. They flawlessly performed the album Take Your Shoes Off and gave us two bonus songs - Right Next Door and Smoking Gun!

[@RajdeepJayan]

don't remember when I heard him first, from that moment a hard core fan ❤

[@pango-y8j]

1990 for I and I. Seen him five times All in California in the nineties. 🍄🌍🍄🌛⚡🌜🍄 Young 🌱 Bob

[@rebeccarandleman2124]

I have been listening to Robert Cray since he was playing the bar scene in Eugene, Oregon.....where he began his career.....and it just doesn't get any sweeter then this. I never get tired of this man.

[@MrKarlgressel]

ditto

[@sandragriffiths9692]

Lucky you 😍

[@rebeccarandleman2124]

@@sandragriffiths9692 Yes I was.

[@rebeccarandleman2124]

@@MrKarlgressel I went to see him in Salem, Oregon last year, he was great like always.

[@georgestevens1502]

Murphy and Me bar/stage and the W.O.W Hall. Belushi got up and sang with Robert's band at The Eugene Hotel (if memory serves) during down time from filming Animal House and then Belushi came up with The Blues Brothers. I would get off work and get into Murphy and Me before cover charge time and wait for Robert's band. He filled out my blues education covering every classic blues song under the sun. He has a unique touch with his lead lines. He has kind of a constant pinch harmonic touch to all his single note lines. Love it

[@johnmcgrath8886]

I've been playing the blues for about ...ooh, jeez,.. 46 yrs now, and I've got tears in my eyes listening to this - less is more.

[@jacoblindquist1152]

Been listening to Cray since the nineties. No regret. Best lyrics and music on the planet.

[@gauravkapoor2902]

Robert Cray is such a precise guitar player. There are no wasted movements when he is playing. Look at his hand movements carefully when the camera zooms in and you will see how controlled his movements are.

[@kenmurphy6792]

Even more impressive is his hard downstrokes played at a lower than usual volume. Cray relies on the purity of his Strat to deliver a tone that sounds bright and clean. No fuzz, no wah-wah, no distortion at all. You don't see that very much these days. Refreshing.

[@user-eb8mi3xi5f]

@@kenmurphy6792 His clean tone is so superb, and it all comes from his hand. Magnificent.

[@roybarnes-thewildlifeman1855]

Has a direct line to my heart. There’s blues… but then there’s……Robert Cray.

[@jamski41]

Robert is always classy. he's just all about the blues. that's Mr Robert Cray yeah

[@errmoc5682]

such an underrated underappreciated singer

[@mariojutic6609]

And guitarist. I don't get why so many are judging him, such a great voice

[@bigbattenberg]

The tone of Cray's voice, that pitch, gets to me like probably no one else. A true master.

[@GlaucoAlves]

Robert Cray is pure feeling! Not many left who can do both create beautiful music filled with meaning and also perform it with 100% connection to its true feelings

[@Loulitch]

La beauté réside dans la simplicité. J'adore

[@theburnhams2925]

Jim Pugh's approving glance towards his "Boss" at 2:52 speaks volumes of the high regard Robert's band mates hold him in. Some of these elegant "riffs" always send a shiver of thrill through me too. And when you realize that these guys have heard all of this many times before, yet it still "moves" them it is a testament of the power of R.C.'s artistry. Richard Cousins work on bass; competent, always "there" and absolutely "correct" demonstrates not only his talent but also his almost life-long association with Robert Cray (since their teen years). Synthesis like theirs (usually) cannot be generated "over night!" Masterful!

[@scottmclennan6114]

The Burnhams yes I saw that too and interpreted it as a sign of high regard as you did. Just a glance, but it said a lot.

[@maoxian]

Great catch... still brought to a moment of stunned appreciation of Bob's gift after all these years.

[@wendylucka2397]

I noticed that as well. That part made me well up.

[@MSJsoul]

Yes, glad others noticed this. Real cool.

[@patriciaclark199]

I love that these guys are still so, so cool! I'm 60...so it's very encouraging to see. Getting better with age...

[@Hapax007]

Definitely one of my favorite blues artists. He's not an "in your face" type, but so talented and a genuine treasure.

[@kevinmichaelcallihansr5053]

I was present here, bob boilen tiny desk, and loved it, tyk: Oct 24, 2012🐬

[@threepeater]

Love Robert! Had the honor of meeting him and Richard Cousins @ the.House of Guitars in 1991 and he signed my Guitar Player mag w/ him on tje cover. Seen him every time he comes to Rochester NY. What a legend. Richard is.mad kool too. Great work!!

[@evinrohrbaugh8592]

Just admit it, this is the best performance in the history of Tiny Desk concerts! I love how you can hear both the guitar sounds from the amp but also the acoustic sound of the pick hitting the strings at the same time, and that voice, just wow.

[@sixstringsgh]

Mr Cray is one of my favorite blues guys. Amazing voice he has

[@noitallmanaz]

The only crime I have ever committed was theft. I worked at a record store and I stole a tape of Strong Persuader. That's right Mr. Cray, I committed a crime just to listen to you! GUILTY! WORTH IT!

[@SwaroopKodur234]

That sudden dip at 15:42 makes your heart skip a beat, doesn't it. What follows is pure soul.

[@islander4986]

Long time fan, still have Strong Persuader on vinyl. Thanks for supporting working people Robert.

[@manuelecheverria7968]

Impressive perfomance, one of the best IMHO..

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

Plain clean playing with no effects whatsoever; not even reverb, shows you how good a guitar player this artist is! Cheers!

[@msstevie1951]

I’ve loved Robert Cray since I first heard him sing Smokin Gun & Right Next Door. I got to see him in around 2008 at Horseshoe Casino in Indiana. I was 6 rows from him and I was in shock that he sounds even better live than his CD’s! He pours his heart & soul into every song. Guitar playing is impeccable. So pure and you feel whatever he’s relaying in every song. Just amazing! His band is perfection. ❤ This mini concert is great! TY for posting it for us diehard older fans of “Young Bob”. ❤

[@chrismaindonald1176]

Went to Robert Cray Live at Seagulls, Tweed Heads on the Gold Coast, Qld, Australia quite some time ago :-) Absolutely brilliant, have one of his guitar picks too, long live Robert

[@fernandoespindola1409]

Iam Brazilian, I like music Robert Cray..... blues and jazz

[@nideckidiomas6398]

I'm a Brazilian too and I love his music! Abraço!

[@sethjohnson9293]

What's there to say really? It's Robert Cray. If you're a fan, you just know. A friend turned me on to Young Bob 30 yrs ago and I've been hooked ever since. Over the years, I didn't just listen to his albums, I lived in them. Now, when I listen, it's like an old friend has come to visit.

[@bloozedaddy]

Young Bob has always been too-cool-for-school. One of the best concerts I've ever seen was Mr Cray at The Tower Theatre in Philly 1987

[@arthurestrada4930]

i had to wait 17 yrs to get out of the federal pen to again listen to him. his lirics to his songs represent situations in life that ive

[@thiswillbeforgotten]

He has such an unmistakable sound... thank god he's still making music after all of these years. true icon.

[@hlcotten6587]

The first time I saw Robert Cray was on VH-1 television’s show. His band was singing, ‘Strong Persuader’. He has always been as smooth and melodic as a cool breeze on a summers eve. He is one of the elite blues guitarist, that continues to bring the heat of a burning heart for the blues.✨🔥💎🔥💎🔥💎✨

[@alanroberts7916]

I first saw Cray with Clapton and Steve Winwood in that Chicago concert on video. Why dont guys like this take the country by storm ?. There are household names but what about guys like this who are reeking with professional talent?

[@YummyBaer]

My Dad took me to go see Robert Cray when I was a kid. It was great, he was playing downtown at some pub, I can’t remember the name. But this was a great show and Robert is a magician on the strat. Love it.

[@mqblues]

Great singer, guitar player, and story- teller.

[@mistert4522]

Robert Cray has an instantly recognizable 'voice' on guitar - a sure sign of true greatness. Done Crying is my personal highlight of this little show.

[@ulrichspringer4305]

Wonderful. Ob Soulman, Bluesman ... Schön das einer, der in den 80er/90ern bekannt wurde noch so schöne Musik macht! Thank you Mr. Cray.

[@craigkeller]

One of the best without a doubt imho.

[@loweyesah]

Superb performance Mr. Cray; I am inspired to dust off my old Fenders and begin playing again. Thank You.

[@gracejacobs1954]

So beautiful!

[@borgullet3376]

That man doesn't age.. Love that he's still got the same Cats in his band..

[@shussst]

Voix superbe majestueuse voix de blues

[@7554EdwardG]

anofi berry - was thinking exactly the same thing. Still has that unique sound and great tone.

[@das250250]

Says everything about his character , a good fella

[@uconnhuskies2]

Robert Cray is just the plain sultry and soulful vocalist and guitarist all in one. The consummate musician.

[@DWGEE59]

I've been a Robert Cray fan for years a truly great performer.

[@BogdanMoisin]

Greetings from Romania! Too beautiful to be true.

[@raphealpedro1419]

God I love how the sweet sound of his guitar playing sounds like another voice to our ears, as well as the soulful bliss of his voice..

[@garrisonthad]

Can"t believe he had a bit part in Animal House 30-something years ago. Robert Cray is aging gracefully.

[@anfiorsceal]

"Still a Man" - a song for our times... Fantastic Performance! Bravo!

[@alvescarlos1]

Sempre me surpreendo com o incrível bom gosto do Robert Cray perante as melodias e harmonias usadas em suas canções. É realmente impecável o trabalho desse cara!

[@floydcantu8973]

Pure talent, pure music, pure genius! Wow........ just wow!!

[@nicknickle7979]

thanks, Robert. nice little jamm set/I've enjoyed your music for a long time now. loved your mobile AL concert.

[@kcd2120]

Finally getting a chance to see him in April of this year. Been a fan since a teenager, now 50! Really like his unique guitar tone and of course, his voice has some incredible moments! For example, On The Road Down.

[@Theweeze100]

Robert Cray is a treasure!!!

[@amandalively1]

Tis guy is an amazing musician. That's god given talent. My husband has been a fan since he was 11years old!

[@rebeccarandleman2124]

Amanda your husband has a great ear for true, effortless talent. Robert is talented. I live in Eugene, Oregon where he began his career and he has always been great. He was kind too, something not always found in those with huge talent.

[@ajala8639]

This was *Simply Beautiful*

[@loaizacam1934]

Mr Cray is a great performer and such a great song writer.

[@stevetrivago]

Robert Cray is my teacher... he just doesn’t know it ✊🏼☮️. Beautiful Post 🎬🎬🎬🎬 EDIT.. GOD... Thank you NPR.. 👏🏼☮️💟

[@davidtaub1274]

Rebecca, possibly around the same time, ( late 70's or early 80's) he was playing often when passing through Ashland at a now long since defunct club ( Brooklyn) cover charge $1.00. I would pop in after work. Those were great times! He is still a stellar performer!

[@robkay278]

He and his band have it all, best blues and soul, I have ALL his albums,favourite? I was warned.

[@gregrobertson1348]

Bought my first house in '82 just off Hawthorne Blvd in Portland. Cray played a local bar just down the street, just rocked the place out. Hard to think it was over 35 years ago!

[@paulmataruga6558]

Whoa...So beautiful...

[@howlindonster6131]

A humble man who is one of the greatest blues artist in my 65 years has ever seen.. A stellar set of tunes... This venue would be a great platform for Rocky Athas, the incredible guitarist from Dallas Texas.. Ya listening NPR???

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

The Grammys can go to the abyss for all we care... Tried and true musicians need no recognition. RC rules!

[@tobewells2787]

The best blues player the world

[@larrysweeti]

My blues hero, always under the radar but so soulful with wonderful bluesy lyrics.. Keep on trucking Robert..

[@Momogonthier1954]

Super, good music, good signer, good soul , good, good, good. Moment even if it's not Saturday.

[@race4711]

Mi sono innamorato di questo grande blues man; il testo di "I'm Done Cryin" è commuovente, credo che sia, questa canzone, un grande capolavoro. L'ho conosciuto tardi, solo ora, ma non lo mollo più. Un saluto da Roma.

[@matsslowlander1398]

einfach nur ergreifend und so gut ...

[@llgmusic]

Robert Cray you express very well with your voice and guitar. I really like your guitar play

[@transshack]

20 mins of genius........heart heart.......U 1 BAD MAN

[@joepowell1004]

I love Blues music and listen to many artists. I catorgoize RC as "The Classy One".

[@calvinhavercamp5987]

Saw this man a decade ago and he's as good live as he is on this records. But then again you are witness to that right now! Keep belting em out Robert! We love you man!

[@VonBluesman]

Robert Cool Breeze Cray, one of the best at what he does. Play On.

[@alanroberts7916]

There goes 6 decades of beliefs that it's all in the microphones, equipment and amplifiers !!!

[@digitalcompany5279]

One of the best performances on the the NPR Tiny desk.

[@luv4soccerjuju]

Holy crap. I went to sleep with an angel olsen album playing and waking up to this was just beautiful beyond words. angelic tunes!!!

[@siglino]

I saw him open for BB King in 1992 in Madrid, Spain! That's 28 years ago, and Robert Cray is still making great things happen in Blues music! What a soulful voice! And his guitar playing is fantastic! Listen at 2:30 and ... well, just the whole video! Sadder Days are the longest days of the week! Brilliant!

[@pattiejune]

My first time hearing Mr. Cray. So nice to listen to, music is wonderful. I am a sassy 65 year young woman, with red hair (courtesy of clariol.) I love his music hope to find more to list to.