Robert Cray was born in 1953 in Columbus, Georgia. He developed a passion for guitar as a teenager and formed his first cover band while still in high school. In the 1970s, Cray moved to the West Coast, where he began performing in various college towns. This exposure helped him build a local following, leading him to settle in Oregon, where he formed the Robert Cray Band.

Cray's musical journey took off in the early 1980s with the release of his debut album, Who's Been Talkin' on Tomato Records. He followed up with two albums on HighTone Records, Bad Influence and False Accusations, which found moderate success in the United States and Europe. In 1985, Cray collaborated with his heroes Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland on the album Showdown!, further solidifying his reputation as a notable live artist.

In 1986, Cray signed with Mercury Records and released his breakthrough album, Strong Persuader, which was produced by Dennis Walker. The album received a Grammy Award and included the crossover hit "Smoking Gun," which helped him gain wider appeal and recognition in the music industry. Cray's growing prominence led to invitations from legends like Chuck Berry, who featured him in the 1987 film Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'N' Roll, and Tina Turner, who included him in her Break Every Rule television special.

By the late 1980s, Cray had established himself as a leading artist, opening for major stars like Eric Clapton and selling out larger venues as a solo performer. Known for his skillful playing of Fender guitars, Cray has two signature Stratocaster models from the brand. He has continued to be a prominent name in blues music, collaborating with celebrated artists such as John Lee Hooker and B.B. King throughout the 1990s.

In addition to his recording accomplishments, Robert Cray has participated in memorable performances, including a 1990 concert featuring Eric Clapton, Guy Booking Agent & Management" href="https://www.bookingentertainment.com/artists/jazz/booking-buddy-guy.php">Buddy Guy, and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. Cray was also invited to play at the "Guitar Legends" concert during the 1992 Expo in Seville, Spain, where he showcased his track "Phone Booth."

Cray's contributions to music have not gone unrecognized; he was inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk in 2005. He continued to record and tour extensively, joining Clapton on his 2006-2007 world tour and performing at various festivals like the Crossroads Guitar Festival. In 2011, Cray was honored with induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, and in 2017 he received the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance.