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

[@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.

[@donmr8]

Look, I'm an old man (68) and just rediscovered Robert Cray, and specifically this tune.... young again?!? Holy shit! Just outstanding. Thank you Robert and whoever captured this recording/mix!

[@fiorellafenati5395]

, I'm an old woman (74) and just rediscovered Robert Cray, 🎧🎧🎸🔉👠👢

[@allysonbee855]

Strong persuader album is a masterpiece. 59.

[@marianvrabie1499]

I'm an old man too(I'm 64) and I love this guy. An underrated singer.

[@TheDefcom3]

I'm about the same age and just discovered Robert Cray. I want to hear more...

[@greglaughlin7693]

Hate to say but screrd to of my buddies wives to that song watching from Beautiful Bedford Virginia home of the National D day memorial because we lost so many patriots in this small Town come visit my friend

[@brianjones5548]

Aren't we lucky to have hlm

[@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

[@jamesgee9738]

I wanna go. !!!

[@tedarndt6254]

​@@randy5655exactly. Mr Cox wtf?

[@mariosalinas9144]

I’m going to see him tonight in Merced California.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@michaellazor5667]

I remember as well. Back when MTV was real how about music.

[@randymaloney7113]

Smooth real smooth...

[@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

[@dennisg4053]

He has an exceptionally clean picking technique!

[@thisgarbageiscoralgable.88]

Amen. Check out Buddy Guy and Quinn Sullivan from many years ago, when Quinn Sullivan was.......only twelve years young. Two legends--one soul--decades apart. 😎

[@JohnMoore-xf5wy]

Absolutely! He's right up there!

[@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

[@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. 😠

[@marianvrabie1499]

I'm 64 and i love his wonderful music.

[@markrobin1193]

As good as it gets!

[@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.

[@raross6119]

Seriously overlooked

[@katherinethreatt5062]

Not by everyone... the gentleman has 5 Grammy awards... 😊

[@RobertJThompson-o1z]

Yes seriously overlooked.❤

[@Candie-ub2yv]

Totally agree!

[@bonessmith1276]

Well at least we found him. I bought his cassette back in the day after seeing this video on MTV....that's right kids, that's what it used to be! I love the whole album/cassette/CD...whatever you want to call it, it's good stuff.

[@E.T.S.]

Amazing artist

[@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 !!!!

[@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.

[@calvinking8586]

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

[@hoss-lk4bg]

amen

[@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 !"

[@ourmindonmusic]

@@johnannadavis8411He was definitely an influence on my early playing. He is widely respected and appreciated among musicians, but I agree overall his talent is greatly under appreciated in general.

[@rjjcms1]

I first heard of him in the late 80s here in the UK via this song,when he was highly-regarded as an up-and-coming bluesman by those in the know.

[@reggaefan2700]

They give it all to that white dude Clapton.

[@rjjcms1]

@@reggaefan2700 Clapton was/is an enormously talented,guitarist too. It doesn't have to be an either/or choice.

[@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...

[@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.

[@greennoodle69]

I can’t believe the CBH used to host the likes of Robert Cray

[@capucinelourdes]

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

[@BevHill-z3m]

This artist is a good singer and guitar player. Like his style

[@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.

[@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

[@michaellazor5667]

Robert Cray said he doesn't like to play flashy speed solos. He likes to keep it soulful.

[@brucecaldwell6701]

Nobody phrases better than him. His guitar playing has such a lyrical quality to it.

[@garthosborn8400]

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

[@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.

[@LM4eva1A]

Yeah, me I dont like blues for the most part but this guy can definitly play. And I actully like this one.

[@cherylhulting1301]

Welcome to the fold! You've got a LOT of fantastic music to hear. Robert is a tremendous artist.

[@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

[@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.😎✌️

[@DanielGallagher-mf1km]

So over looked, just came across this hot singer

[@dwayneroberts6616]

This guys soul is centuries old he was born to sing the blues.

[@GarlinStout]

He's got major skills

[@dionisiotorres5977]

Not just his guitar playing. Has good voice!!!

[@paulodetarso3198]

He's superb

[@beckyshiner3332]

Not only is Robert a great guitarist, his voice is pure magic!

[@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!

[@ENZEE1]

Robert cray and stevie ray vaughn will always be my faves.

[@Eric_777]

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

[@PhillipaSorensen]

Underrated musician

[@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. :)

[@petertuchscherer1429]

The fact that this absolute gem of a man was with Stevie Ray on the last night of his life really gives me comfort. Who better to be with really. I absolutely love this song. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@lisaryan6505]

Wow that's soooooo true SRV was a lover of course. An awesome guitarist as well.

[@lisaryan6505]

SRV was flying to New York in fact on that dreadful day to propose to his model girlfriend. My childhood friend Josefina Diaz also a model was living with the girl whose was going to marry SRV.

[@finalvoyage35]

Really?? That's a news to me,but them 2 on the same stage in one night isn't out of line.

[@torotexas]

Wow. That is really poetic in its own right, their having played together on that fateful night. It has brought a year to my eye and a smile to my face at the same time...that night was a terrible end to such a monumental man and musician. But he lived on in his musical legacy.

[@waggsish]

I'm in Austin and I used to see SRV for a buck at Hut's Hamburgers. He was always talkative between sets, and after the show. Lou Ann Barton would sing with him many times there. I first saw Robert Cray when he was invited to one of the many outdoor concerts we had here with SRV and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. I weep at the thought of those days, times, we all took for granted. Never did we think we'd lose Stevie the way we did. When news of Alpine Valley broke, a stunned city populace of fellow musicians, people from all walks of life, met at the place where many T-Bird Riverfests were held. Thousands of us in tears, all of us. A radio station sent a mobile unit out, and SRV was being played non-stop. It was surreal. I had never witnessed mass mourning like that before. The man was loved by many worldwide. Our city loved him long before the rest of the world did. It didn't matter wtf style of music you played, everyone knew SRV and dug him. A statue of SRV graces the area near where thousands used to hear Our Hometown Boy play.

[@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!

[@randallkennedy2589]

So fine a singer and guitar singer.

[@AndreaElizabeth100]

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

[@BassmanII]

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

[@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.

[@stephenthomas3085]

I remember this, such a great song. Robert Cray has it all, the musical talent, grreat voice, the looks and the material. Some people have all the luck..!

[@roberthoover5235]

A true talent 😊

[@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

[@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

[@DDEENY]

Gotta love this man's guitar playing.

[@martinjohnson4870]

My wife and I went to see Robert in Fresno in about 1998.. only better live.

[@gplunk]

That still hot smokin' axe!!

[@willrobinson9767]

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

[@Utube-s8m]

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]

@@Utube-s8m 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

[@Weshopwizard]

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

[@braviafeed]

"I'm standing here bewildered, I can't remember just what I've done I can hear the sirens whining, my eyes blinded by the sun I know that I should be running, my heart's beating just like a drum Now they've knocked me down and takin it, a still hot and smokin gun" Damn those are some of the coldest lyrics ever!! LOVE this song!!

[@jadedstar3673]

My favorite

[@VCT3333]

Similar to Hey Joe.

[@BeverlyPierce-f1r]

Good guitar. Nice to be free

[@kennethmcclung9399]

Three Dog Night was my first concert in 1967 in Dallas . Took my first love & her little sister. I was in 12 th grade.

[@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

[@richford6454]

A banger of all bangers

[@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.

[@cherylhulting1301]

It's a great album!

[@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.

[@mikeremington7144]

HE IS ONE OF THE BEST BLUES ARTISTS OF ALL TIME!

[@JohnMoore-xf5wy]

He really is. I've loved his music for decades.

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

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

[@bosskat3132]

Definitely ❤

[@dbs4545]

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

[@pattiesalon]

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

[@GarlinStout]

He's real real good

[@kerrynixon3968]

Amen

[@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.

[@pauldebouvre1092]

A strong, uneasy feeling...

[@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.

[@RojiBento]

Bob Cray he’s been my North Pole. Don’t settle and rip that shit you know know you the most talented go ahead turn up n shred that shit

[@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.

[@jodierichardson4308]

What's not to love about this guy? Right?

[@hoderharris]

Great musician

[@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?

[@dougelkins9584]

I had a jazz shift on the college radio station WDWN 89.1 FM. Found him early in 1982. Was so happy to see that he hit big time a few years later. Off the chart talent.

[@randallfrank5682]

I saw Robert Cray perform live at the Birchmere Supper Club in Alexandria, VA in 2003 or 2004. A group of us had great seats and enjoyed the show and food. What a treat!

[@waynekelly2121]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@jameswaldo2485]

I'm a big fan of Robert cray love his music

[@mikeremington7144]

SAW THIS MA AT DE ANZA CUPERTINO THEATER IN 1986! AWESOME!

[@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!

[@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.

[@austinteutsch]

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

[@satinwhip]

Loved his work with Otis Day and the Knights.

[@mrdaynes1]

Hoping to see him live in Manchester this year for the 1st time. Unbelievable talent, I recall the album Strong Persuader well. Incredible blues from a guitar maestro

[@jamiemartinez8674]

Real music kids!

[@anidathomas1811]

Turn it up baby✌️

[@teannamarcia9284]

One of the Very best

[@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 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@marileedent8499]

Beautiful voice... oh yeah.. lol lot of love Marilee ❤️

[@margaretpalaggi3557]

Seen him in Chicago 1980’s. Such a force-commands a blues stage.

[@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😎👍💖

[@dwayneard5997]

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

[@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.

[@CMarak]

Discovered his music in the 80s and love his music, still.

[@darrylgray6337]

A real record for real feeling.

[@lprovance60]

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

[@robmontier639]

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

[@hoss-lk4bg]

amen