{"product_id":"robert-cray-strong-persuader-paperback","title":"Robert Cray: Strong Persuader - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eSimon Godfrey\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Cray: Strong Persuader\u003c\/strong\u003e is the story of a musician who helped bring the blues back into the mainstream without compromising its soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRaised in a military family and shaped by music that travelled with him from one posting to the next, Robert Cray found his calling through rhythm and blues, gospel, soul, and the electric blues of Albert Collins. From Tacoma bar bands and the clubs of Eugene, Oregon, he built a career through persistence, discipline, and a determination to find his own voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat voice emerged fully on albums such as \u003cem\u003eBad Influence\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eFalse Accusations\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eStrong Persuader\u003c\/em\u003e. With its hit songs \"Smoking Gun\" and \"Right Next Door (Because of Me),\" \u003cem\u003eStrong Persuader\u003c\/em\u003e carried Cray's clean Stratocaster tone, soulful vocals, and sharply observed songwriting onto rock radio, MTV, and the international stage. Yet his success was never simply the result of a hit record. It was the product of a distinctive artistic philosophy: serve the song, leave space, and make every note count.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlong the way, Cray worked with Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, the Memphis Horns, and the legendary Hi Rhythm Section. He earned Grammy Awards, critical acclaim, a place in the Blues Hall of Fame, and the respect of generations of musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTracing his journey from Army brat to internationally celebrated blues artist, \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Cray: Strong Persuader\u003c\/strong\u003e explores the guitar, the voice, the songwriting, and the enduring influence of a performer who reinvented the possibilities of modern blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is the story of Robert Cray-and of the quiet power of restraint, precision, and staying true to the music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.22 x 8.5 x 5.5 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e August 30, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46368279199879,"sku":"9798235040311","price":21.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0601\/2623\/2711\/files\/n_gBnYlOUh9798235040311.webp?v=1793325061","url":"https:\/\/booksby.splitshops.com\/products\/robert-cray-strong-persuader-paperback","provider":"Books by splitShops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}