American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter born August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia; raised in multiple US Army base locations. Distinguished by his smooth contemporary-blues style fusing R&B, soul, and traditional Chicago blues.
Released over 20 studio albums starting with Who's Been Talkin' (1980). Commercial breakthrough: Strong Persuader (1986, featuring "Smoking Gun"). Five Grammy Awards across his catalog. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011. Continues to tour with the Robert Cray Band.
