OXFORD,
Miss. – Dubbed a “master storyteller and guitarist extraordinaire” by
Modern Guitars Magazine, bluesman Robert Cray has laid down track after
track of good-time, uptown and low-down blues for more than 30 years.
On
Saturday (Oct. 25), the legendary artist kicks off Series 108 with an 8
p.m. performance at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts
at the University of Mississippi.
“Robert Cray is more than a
singer, and he’s more than a bluesman,” said Norm Easterbrook, Ford
Center director. “He is a master artist whose soulful voice and
instrumental artistry have earned him respect from critics and fans
alike.”
The upcoming performance is the first of three shows in the center’s Series 108, which is in its second season. Series 108 is noted for its intimate and adventuresome subjects and settings. Easterbrook said the series is meant to give the audience “a broader theater experience.”
During his years in the music business, Cray, a five-time Grammy Award winner and 11-time Grammy nominee, has won more than respect from critics; he’s won over his peers, too. In fact, by age 20, Cray had worked with many of his heroes, including Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters. Today, he’s an opening act for major stars such as Eric Clapton, who remains one of Cray’s closest friends.
Cray has produced more than 20 albums and become known for his signature track “Phone Booth.” While Cray’s third album, “Strong Persuader,” won him a first Grammy Award, it was his crossover single “Smoking Gun” that gave him wider audience appeal and name recognition.
Over the years, Cray has continued to record and tour. He appeared at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2006-07 and recently joined Clapton on backup guitar for the classic Cream song “Crossroads.”
Tickets to see Robert Cray live are $25 for general admission seating with discounts available prior to the day of the performance for Ole Miss students. Tickets are available by calling the UM Box Office at 662-915-7411 or by visiting the Box Office in the Student Union from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the Ford Center Box Office from noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. Tickets may also be purchased online
For a complete list of events and shows at the Ford Center, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter /. For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7411.