Robert Cray - Smoking Gun

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#RobertCray #SmokingGun #Vevo #Blues #OfficialMusicVideo
Music video by Robert Cray performing Smoking Gun. (C) 1986 The Island Def Jam Music Group

[@gilliannorris4040]

This man was so smooth.. he had it going on in every department.. never ever got the credit he deserved.. total class with that guitar.. 🔥🔥🔥

[@elizabethmcleod246]

He still does! ❤

[@babywah3290]

Ever notice he was the bass player in Animal House backing (My man!!!!) Otis Day?

[@judyhuth4041]

I completely agree, I wish other pieces of his music had come through. Every time I hear it I love it.This very well could have been produced last year, except for one thing, the music industry wouldn't choose anything that makes sense or sounds like something😅!

[@therealmarkkyle6182]

I saw him just a few years ago and he is still incredible live!

[@studnick10]

Just saw him on Friday and nothing has changed.

[@blueangel0925]

I heard this song for the first time about an hour ago on the eighties station on Sirius radio. I had never heard of Robert Cray before today, but I'm seriously impressed with this song.

[@Methadone4Life]

As good as anyone to ever touch a guitar!!! The man can sing, write songs and damn, that man can play!!! One of my all-time faves, been a fan of Robert for decades!!

[@DavidMalloy-xc6pn]

damn skippy and

[@harrysmith846]

Yes been listening to him since the 80s, a great musician, I just love listening to him.

[@AlphonseWeebay]

George Benson but it’s not a comp

[@davidcox5588]

Wife got me tickets for Valentine's Day to see him tomorrow 2/17/24 in Charlottesville! Gotta love a women who knows great guitar!

[@randy5655]

How was it?

[@AlexandreSilva-ig4ty]

Crazy woman man

[@nikkiwilliamscastle9528]

I saw Robert Cray at the Coogee Bay Hotel in Sydney in the late 80's....I was only about 18 and even then I knew how special he was. Here I am now, 52 and still loving this. Smooth and sexy AF.

[@iamthebroker]

Lol, I just read your same comment on “Right next door” except you were 15 then🤣. RC is the epitome of cool.

[@danielszczepankiewicz6650]

This man does not get the credit he truly deserves. Not only a talented vocalist, but one of the best guitar players of all time.

[@JimmyBusy]

Seeing him tomorrow night in Peachtree City, GA

[@MasterWitchDoctor]

best guitar players of all time? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

[@tmaddrummer]

Daniel I'm Polish too, and grew up with something close.... Szczepanski!

[@wladekwloszcz3803]

I know what you mean, but he does! Look at his Grammys, and millions of his fans worldwide. Take heart -:)

[@fonzario]

@Daniel Szczepankiewicz. We played this song in our classic rock/blues band and I quickly learned that Robert Crays style is very unique. It was so fun playing the bass part to this.

[@burgcarli929]

I remember watching this on MTV, in 1986 I believe. It just blew me away. Still does. Robert has the perfect Blues voice, and the guitar is pure sickness.

[@jamesmcgrew7531]

When MTV played real music.

[@ncasti]

Was big on VH1, when that channel started up...

[@Elong.]

I wore his record out then. Love him

[@fukhue8226]

I remember too Burg. I thought he was a great guitar player but his voice is what kills them all!

[@peterpatton8736]

Have to hear this every once in a while. Love Robert Cray

[@karenjones1848]

Look for Clapton and Cray perform Old Love on David Sanborn channel

[@thebaddog4104]

Nothing beats a smokin gun

[@paultreadaway102]

It's his biggest hit on the US Charts so youthful at the same time in 87 as another classy axeman Chris Rea who did Let's Dance imagine those 2 doin a duet or jam guitar solo with similar vocals

[@capucinelourdes]

Mr. Cray's voice and guitar playing seem effortless yet perfection.

[@calvinking8586]

One of the all time classics, it just never gets old.

[@hoss-lk4bg]

amen

[@Geek37664]

It was October 2014 I was in Des Moines, Iowa. I’m 33 years old and I can’t sleep and I’m surfing the web on a public computer in a hotel lobby, just killing time so I get some rest before my cousin’s wedding. And for some reason, this song comes over the loudspeaker and it just sticks with me. It’s inescapably infectious. And how a blues tune managed to breakthrough to the top 40 in a year filled with hair metal and new wave and R&B makes this song extra special to me.

[@DaleHammer-vz3gk]

When I see Robert Cray playing with B.B. King and Eric Clapton and getting a thumbs from B.B. he's among the best.

[@pennyfarmer1423]

Been listening to him for a very long time he's a cool dude any places guitar very well

[@BigBadWolf1st]

Cray is a master... you can literally feel the emotion in his guitar.

[@normanberubre3812]

Well said.....love him

[@serenabussell8489]

AMEN

[@curtiswoods8884]

Exactly. His style is so deliberate and straightforward. You have no doubts about where he’s coming from.

[@lynetteowens7242]

Well said 👍

[@tomtheplummer7322]

When he was told by pros he was lazy on strings it chapped my ass. 😠

[@garthosborn8400]

I love that his tone is clean and pure - not saturated with tons of gain. Really lets his skill and emotion shine.

[@lmetrovich]

Somebody wrote that Robert Cray has the soul of Stevie Wonder, the guitar skills of Jimmy Hendrix and the smooth of Eric Clapton

[@optimusmaximus9646]

Nice one.

[@laurieschroeder7809]

But missed that he writes music that we all can relate to!

[@malibugal8670]

And that person has the music 'list' I want!!

[@Allen-xu2wv]

Very close

[@DaleHammer-vz3gk]

Robert Cray is Robert Cray he is an individual not like anyone. He didn't need to be.

[@edejan]

He's a master! Simple presentation, masterful guitarwork...no undue flash, no baloney theatrics...just pure simple talent and soul. God love him!

[@chrisharrison2214]

He doesn't show off nearly as much as he could. And that is fine by me. Seen him many times.

[@austinteutsch]

@@chrisharrison2214 saw him in 1988 Austin, Texas. Solid as a rock. He deserves better treatment from the music world IMO.

[@donprudhomme4744]

That's one smooth brother.One of the best guitarist on the planet,not to mention the great lyrics.

[@genebest4370]

Amen to that

[@anidathomas1811]

Turn it up baby ✌️

[@diana7043]

Have listened to John Lee Hooker or Canned Heat?

[@donprudhomme4744]

@@diana7043 yes I have.Always liked Canned Heat.😎✌️

[@AutomatikSystematik]

Man what a great song! LOVE his voice!

[@araceliaceves3811]

This man makes me shiver with his music,very underrated! This is music at it's best!

[@chrisbundy6104]

Not a good analogy but he's the frank Sinatra of the blues+ he's a great guitar player: so smooth it's uncouth

[@charlesbyrd720]

One of the best written , sung & played songs ever . Best thing about roberts playing is he puts every note the song can stand but not one too many ! Thanks Robert cray for this song I have really enjoyed it

[@kevinnantais8467]

He deserves better recognition for his work. Awesome singer and guitarist.

[@hoss-lk4bg]

amen

[@carolynbeard8275]

Robert cray

[@randymack2972]

an artist with few peers.

[@stephendelano7199]

He is so suave

[@davereed158]

He played on stage next to MR.B.B.KING how much more can you get. Recognized by the KING OF BLUES

[@ramairluvr]

Real class. I forgot how great this sounded until now. It's been years since I heard it, but it still sounds as great as the first time.

[@JimDoherty-wi8up]

My wife and I saw him in Springfield MA on a Friday night walking out went to the ticket booth and bought tickets for the next night what an amazing performer !!!!

[@loriewalker4572]

Loved his voice ever since I first heard him in the late 80's. Very talented and not nearly enough radio play. He's a true diamond in the rough.

[@tms6279]

The man can write, sing and play! He's been around for decades and he still looks like he's only 23 years old.

[@GGT950]

He probably was it’s 1986

[@MarySmith-lv3mo]

Looked 23 in 2009? He looked to be around his 50's in 2009...

[@dwayneard5997]

What a Much,Much Underrated Blues guitarist and Singer. .... Robert Cray...Rocks... Hell Yeah..Mr Dilly.. Approved !!!👍🎸😎❤

[@dbs4545]

this man is Jordan .. no holes in his game. Great Guitar , great voice , great presence .. was grateful to have seen him live

[@erth2man]

Robert Cray does everything so very well but his lyrics are particularly exceptional. This is just one of many examples of painting such a picture in your mind with a story, and of course a great performance.

[@tv2109]

I've heard this song countless times and just never tire of it. His voice and guitar playing are amazing

[@billgriffin4140]

Amazing talent, great voice, unique guitar style.

[@arejayseeottawa]

One of the greatest songs ever recorded! The brilliance of this song is found in its simplicity!

[@hoss-lk4bg]

amen

[@randymack2972]

BB King 2.0

[@waynekelly2121]

I remember when this song came out it is just as awesome today as it was back than .

[@jeroenvuyk5035]

Masterpiece.I got the album Strong Persuader.Very great

[@stacydalebarendse3978]

Yep! I will Never part with it!

[@tonyquek1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5zbd2psip2Ias0

[@gerrygorbach7693]

I still play this album regularly and leave impressed with the songwriting, vocals and guitar packed into this album. True classic.

[@3642130]

Love this song! Came out at the peak of my life! Everything was just right in 86

[@jackbrimm9833]

Was bewitched by that rhythm guitar part the first time I heard it upon original release, and the spell is still as strong this morning, decades later. And the voice, and the choice of notes in the solo--simply one of the best minor-chord blues tunes ever created. Saw him live in the mid-90s, small club in Nashville. So glad I got to. Truly a transcendent player and performer.

[@AndreaElizabeth100]

Robert Cray plays guitar so good and he sings mighty fine.

[@floydarissol3952]

One of the best voices (and guitarists) to grace this planet. #fact

[@pbloo574]

I'm kind of ashamed to admit I had never heard of Robert Cray until I randomly found Strong Persuader in a box of records my Dad gave me a couple of months ago. But as soon as I put the album on my turntable, dropped the needle and heard Smoking Gun for the first time, I knew I had to find more of his albums.

[@marthastephens2179]

pbloo574 Dads cool. I played the vinyl off this lp. Seeing him live is amazing

[@andresugue3463]

pbloo574 how did that happen???

[@bernieskenandore8419]

lrp team. seals.

[@debbiegreene7070]

pbloo574 You will be glad you did!!!

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

you should be ashamed

[@richardewing8506]

One of THE best albums ever!!!!!

[@ernestotostado7012]

Everything in this song melts together perfectly, one of his best or most likely his best song, my favorite of all his songs, he has a real cool style, love his voice too

[@victorglaviano]

And Phone Booth!

[@DDEENY]

Gotta love this man's guitar playing.

[@robmontier639]

A whole story in three short verses. Song writing at its very, very best!

[@hoss-lk4bg]

amen

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1987 {February 28th} the Robert Cray Band performed "Smoking Gun" on the NBC-TV program 'Saturday Night Live'... Four weeks earlier on February 1st it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on April 22nd it peaked at #22 {for 1 week} and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100... Was track one on his fifth studio album, 'Strong Persuader', and the album reached #13 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart... The album won 1987 Grammy Award for 'Best Contemporary Blues Recording'... Mr. Cray will celebrate his 61st birthday this coming August 1st {2014}...

[@Eric_777]

I’m 49. Been playing guitar for 35 Years. Robert Cray is like a fine Whine....Keeps getting better with Age!!!

[@michellemccoy3726]

Oh Hell yeah! Robert Cray was fantastic!!! What a fabulous entertainer! Strong voice and stronger guitar skills!!!

[@moeshiner156]

He IS fantastic silly girl. 🙂🤪🎸

[@michellemccoy3726]

@@moeshiner156 sorry... I just haven't heard anything from him for a while. I love his music. I meant no offense or upset.

[@moeshiner156]

@@michellemccoy3726 No worries, i was making a funny, lol. No offense or upset here. Keep on Jammin and have a good day! 🙂🙂

[@michellemccoy3726]

@@moeshiner156 Have a great week! Stay well!

[@richardoliver6131]

The real deal and better than many!

[@tvv911]

Robert Cray Is a Guitar GOD! Thank you so much for your the music. Been a long long time fan.

[@peterkane1737]

Man this guy's good been following since the 80's

[@jadedstar3673]

Shiiii I was born in the 80s 🤣 🍀

[@sandragriffiths9692]

Me2 Brilliant isn't he😙

[@vernacohen6988]

Me too...since the 80's as well. Smooth!!!

[@bilbobaggins4710]

He's good for a black dude 😸

[@lisabaker4263]

@@bilbobaggins4710 what do u mean for a black dude? That's bullshit! What does color have to with talent?

[@BassmanII]

Cray, along with SRV, Clapton, and the legendary BB King brought a resurgence of Blues in the 1980s.

[@Weshopwizard]

What an incredible song. Still sounds as good today as it did in the 80s. Timeless.

[@athlindsey85]

I grew up with a lot of blues music thanks to my dad. Robert Cray's voice is one of my favorites, and he is a great guitarist too.

[@DanielSchorr]

Great Playing. He truly speaks through his guitar. Never gets old

[@anjawade8284]

Good stuff

[@mayemcdonald9111]

Great stuff! ❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙

[@leejackson4724]

Daniel Schorr this dude really knows how to andle a Strat...

[@-whoknew-_-4532]

one of the smoothest players , makes it look so easy & effortless

[@jimmydprice3942]

Robert Cray is a bad man 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@jeffjohnson7444]

Robert Cray is without a doubt the most famous person to graduate from my high school. He used to jam in the garage of Larry Wansley (older brother of Wanz who sang on Macklemore’s Thrift Shop) across the street. Who knew he would turn out to be so good! He doesn’t get the credit he deserves!

[@davidhorne2326]

Just saw Robert and band this evening. I went to his concert maybe 15-20 years ago. He hasn’t lost a thing! Vocals are good as ever. Great show!

[@madgemarielayfield1556]

Wow

[@wakenow7612]

@@madgemarielayfield1556 yeah he still sounds amazing he's currently on tour. Check your area!

[@gregandrew3025]

Just woke up out of a half-sleep and this song popped into my head after many, many years of having forgotten it. 🤘 🎸

[@michaelmurphy512]

Saw him last night in Huntington, NY. Phenomenal show, great opening acts as well. What a smooth soulful player!!

[@glowgirl8171]

Listen to him make that guitar cry.And what a great voice. I'll never get tired of this!

[@sharonannsharonann260]

Yeah he was in West Palm Beach with the Doobie Brothers on Wednesday July 10th. I don't think Robert Cray has ever gotten the attention and accolades and praise that he deserves so rightly Just saying ❤❤❤

[@johnannadavis8411]

So true.. I remember first hearing him in the 90s in Miami. I said wow this guy is great !"

[@Anthem728]

It's truly a shame that a talent like this didn't make it bigger!! His vocals and guitar style are phenomenal. He not a super guitar player but he's excellent regardless..

[@Bluesman2509]

One of the classics from the Strong Persuader album...the solo is sizzling!

[@slowbidiah]

It sure doesn't seem like 40 some years have passed since I became an avid fan. Timeless... one of the greatest! I have seen too many of his shows to count and each one was spot on!

[@jnix911]

The whole song is a masterpiece! But to me, the standout lyric is "I put 2 and 1 together, and we know that's not an even sum."

[@MarySmith-lv3mo]

I guess it's because of tbe implication that he realized something doesn't add up(Not an even sum) 😏

[@dcharles1798]

3 is an odd number, silly...

[@hayleykeady3465]

Correct xx

[@hayleykeady3465]

Dosent need explaining. Think we know

[@MarySmith-lv3mo]

@@dcharles1798 That's the point... Robert knows 3 is an odd number, he even says it's not an even sum.... The common saying is,"Put 2 and 2 together," meaning make it even and reason.... Robert put 1 and 2 together meaning it doesn't add up correctly. :)

[@austinteutsch]

Saw him in Austin, Texas 1987. Great show! Had to put out my joint, says the Man!

[@MichaelBarry380]

Back in the day he opened the blues up for me. I will always be grateful. Thanks Robert Cray!!!!!!

[@thelowe6393]

I bought the album when it came out in '85 and played it about a thousand times. The feel, clean tone and phrasing he employs is so pure. Beautiful. Roberts voice is as good as his playing. Slays me!

[@pattiesalon]

Sometimes when you play fewer notes, it creates a more full soundtrack. This is a great song.

[@bgayle712]

This never gets old.

[@michaelrodriguez5102]

I have a blues collection and the Mr.Robert Cray sits right their on top with Stevie Ray. Eric. Hootie

[@waggsish]

Textbook example of how to build a song with your voice and emotion, as if thats not enough, he also is PLAYING that emotion simultaneously on guitar. !!@$%%$! amazing.

[@jackgrogger2722]

Ive seen him 3 times in concert and his live performances are spectacular just as his studio recordings are too, one of the best guitarists ever, that I have had the pleasure of listening to, and that's big when you consider artists like Hendrix, Clapton, Page, Getty Lee, Pat Travers, Al Dimeola etc.

[@jeffalbert8109]

I'm going to see him for the first time next month and super excited. Wondering why Smoking Gun is not usually (ever?) part of the setlist?

[@paultreadaway102]

Put him up there with any genre and the Greats of Guitar for sure in history

[@trikkerman1]

I've seen him live 4 times I almost made him choke on his water when I said, "Loved you in Animal House."He almost spit out his water and look at me smiling and gave me the thumbs up. I wished I had it on video. I was so close that I didn't even have to yell.

[@spibach]

I was offered the job of being the guitarists in that band in the Animal House movie. I turned it down because I didn't want to have to get my hair cut short. That turned out to be one of the stupidest decisions I ever made. My friend Tommy Smith got that job instead. I met DeWayne Jessie who played the singer Otis Day about 10 years ago when he came to see me play at a dive bar in Eugene, Oregon. He told me it was probably one of my stupidest decisions too. He's made a pretty lucrative career playing gigs as Otis Day for the last 40 years, even though that wasn't actually him singing in the movie. I got to jam with Robert a few times way back in the late 70's before he got famous.

[@marlinwinter2538]

👍😎😁

[@KarenBH]

One of my favorites! Superb talent! “I put 2 & 1 together and we know that’s not an even sum” ❤️

[@kristins4494]

I love that line, too.🙂 Such a great tune!

[@cindyg9215]

I saw Robert Cray at the Boston Harbor Pavilion , Boston , Ma. what a great concert and perfect venue .!! He was just awesome . !!!

[@geraldjohnson848]

August 1: Happy birthday blues singer-misician Robert Cray. Thank you and God bless. Thanks for the post. Blessings

[@maureenwoodard9588]

Truly a genius ! I’ve loved this man and his band for 30+ years ! He deserves more credit for excellent vocals and guitar work

[@kimberlypatton1810]

He is one of the most underappreciated great talents of our generation..He is truly deserving of his place among all the Blues Gods,how he makes love to that guitar with such natural ease...and then he pours that awesome rich clear fantastic vocal ability all over it all to top it off like warm syrup over pancakes! We are blessed!

[@zerkzy842]

I discovered this gem only a week ago. Go's to show that if u want too hear great music u have too seek it out..

[@jamiemartinez8674]

Real music kids!

[@anidathomas1811]

Turn it up baby✌️

[@willrobinson9767]

I saw Robert Cray lead off for Eric Clapton.... One of the best concerts ever.....

[@Utubewrk123]

Robert left the tour. Clapton’s getting weird in his older age. I’ve borrowed a lot of his licks and I always liked his blues stuff and his rock stuff. He co wrote Old Love with Robert Cray so they’ve been friends for yrs. But Clapton compared the Covid vaccine to slavery and Robert had enough and left. Their friendship’s over.

[@willrobinson9767]

@@Utubewrk123 The concert I saw was right after Smoking gun was released..... It was along time ago.....

[@jeffwheeler3427]

Same here in Denver holy shit can he play

[@abledully8636]

I have been enjoying that song since the day it came out. It's one of my top 10 favorite songs ever. He was so underappreciated. Way way way underappreciated.

[@RTLasVegas]

Never forget my dad stopping at a store to buy this album, he put it on and I, maybe seven at the time, was mesmerized.

[@raymondmartinez6620]

Robert cray is the real deal saw him lived in Dallas tx in 1987 that boy can play that guitar and sing the blues..yes sirree!!

[@deniseclark7089]

Raymond Martinez he's not a boy by any means

[@lprovance60]

I listened to this song every Saturday at Porter Cable working over time with Todd. Thanks for the good times!

[@maureenwoodard9588]

I absolutely love him and his band they have been in my life for over 30 yrs and they deserve Much more accolades and praise then they’ve gotten , I love you Robert Cray band

[@kennethjensen7357]

Haven't heard of Robert Cray until a guy from work told me about him. Man oh man this guy kick butt!!!! Time to buy a CD.

[@jadedstar3673]

In all honesty, I never heard of Robert Cray until I went to a Peter Frampton concert a few years ago in Houston (he opened for PF) Texas. Really enjoyed the show... So glad I went to that show. Next day I got on KZbin and listened to more of his stuff

[@jadedstar3673]

It was at the Arena Theater. Anyone else there that night?

[@rhondamontgomery4043]

In the 80s I went to a Huey Lewis concert and he opened...was way better than Huey Lewis.

[@marlinwinter2538]

Both together ...how awesome😎👍💖

[@JoyDivision88]

Saw him in the 80's with his band. One of the best concerts I have seen. The guy had it all, great voice, shit hot guitar work and great songs.

[@taylorpoe6897]

My dad took me to see Robert Cray as a boy and I often come to listen to some of his music.

[@tonygreen6185]

Great voice, clean picking great blues melodies....now on earth can anyone dislike this....even my missus likes him and she normally likes lame stuff

[@edielouarmey2919]

How can anyone not like this?!

[@DavidSmith-pd6cm]

I saw Robert Cray band last night as the opener for the Doobie Brothers in Durant. Both were Awesome, and a check on the bucket list.

[@robertrapp2694]

65 years old. Been listening to the blues almost as long as the Beatles, early 60's, but this is a standout song and guitar performance of any genre

[@jackmatthews947]

I love this mans voice, what a player.

[@benmalone6139]

I reckon his phrasing damn near perfect.

[@lorrainetaylor3773]

This guy is awesome , the best ! First time I ever heard was on Beale st drinking a blue hurricane , and trust me when this man came on stage everyone was like , who the heck / hell is this . Man this guy had it all . Wooooowe wow , to this day I’ll never forget it !

[@robertkees6048]

This one of those sort of forgotten songs, I know it well, but totally forgot it for however many years till right now. It's fun to revisit forgotten tunes.

[@nicholasnevola4811]

This dude is amazing.

[@hoss-lk4bg]

amen

[@moeshiner156]

Nothing less than genius and soul mixed together.

[@freebirdclark6349]

We saw in him in Charlotte the night before we got married . Being the small world that it is we saw him again in Charlotte on our exact 30th anniversary ! Just as great as ever then a nice stay at the Marriott post concert !

[@dylannicolodi4673]

Incredible Musician, Incredible Person, Much Respect to one of the best Blues Guitar players of all time. Robert Cray reminds me of SRV in whole “making love with the guitar” The sounds they produced during such sessions were just incredible! RIP Stevie Ray Vaughan (My personal favorite guitarist of all time)

[@CL-zm2pq]

This is such a killer song!

[@amandaking714]

This is by far my favorite song by Robert Cray.. I love all of his music.. I'm glad my oldest daughter introduced me to his music back in the 1980's. Truly is a great bluesman. This song definitely shows his musical genius and puts him in a class all his own.

[@adamt253]

Great music and great guy. I met his mother today she was very lovely. No wonder he turned out so wonderful. 😁🎼🎸🎵🎶👍

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

Everyone acknowledges the guitar chops. But that voice…soooo smooth.

[@bosskat3132]

Definitely ❤