Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things–and more. The Georgia-born, Washington-raised musician first picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV then, having witnessed Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, determined that this destiny would also follow a similar path. And so he has: across the past half century Robert Cray’s developed into one of American music’s most singular artists."I guess you'd have to say that we were lucky,” reflects Cray on his life in music, “because, growing up in the 1960s, the different music played on the radio really opened us up. I mean, we even had Albert Collins play our High School graduation party."From forming a teenage garage band, through to striding the stage alongside several of the world’s greatest guitarists, Robert Cray’s story is one of struggle and commitment. Struggle and commitment that led to Cray enjoying phenomenal success–selling millions of albums and countless concert tickets, winning five Grammy Awards, being inducted into theBlues Hall of Fame, recipient of the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award, designing two signature modelFender guitars–yet for Robert what’s always mattered most is the music. Every note he play scounts, every song he sings is delivered as if it is his last: integrity and intensity are what has guided Cray’s musical career. He has never cheapened his output or delivered a substandard performance. Indeed, his commitment to making music of the highest standard has won Cray both a loyal audience and the respect of many of popular music’s most legendary figures. Think about it: Robert Cray has shared stage and/or studio with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, The Rolling Stones, EricClapton, Tina Turner, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Memphis Horns and Hi Rhythm Section. Cray’sstinging guitar playing and soulful voice, his skills as a band leader and performer, mark him as keeper of the flame for American roots music, an artist who never fails to deliver."We were so lucky just be able to see them,” says Cray of trading guitar licks on stage with legends of blues, rock and soul, “let alone share the stage with them-what an experience!"Cray’s rise to the top was, like his music, a slow burn, he first building a following in small towns across the Pacific Northwest. Even before Cray had a record deal he enjoyed local hero status–so much so in 1978 he was cast (as a musician) in Animal House, the blockbuster comedy that made John Belushi famous. 1978 was also the year Cray recorded his debut album, Who’s Been Talkin’, although Tomato Records’ internal problems held upTalkin’srelease until 1980. And then, just as Talkin’ was winning great reviews, Tomato collapsed into bankruptcy. Got the blues? Young Robert certainly could have claimed he had them. But Cray isn’t given to complaining, instead, he persevered, committed then, as he is now, to taking his music to the people. After Tomato became music biz ketchup, Cray and his band–today consisting of Richard Cousins(bass guitar–there since high school days), Dover Weinberg (keyboards) and Les Falconer(drums)–used the momentum the album gave them to play further afield. By now Cray was buddies with a young guitarist from Texas: Stevie Ray Vaughan.“We played in 1979 at the San Francisco Blues Festival,” recalls Cray, “and I watched Stevie’s show and he's just smoking. Afterward, Richard and I went up and chatted with him and we just hit it off. Stevie was great - if we were in Austin he’d always come and join us on stage.” Signing to Hightone, Cray’s 1983 album Bad Influence established him internationally: he was invited to play Carnegie Hall, toured Europe, later finding Eric Clapton recording Bad Influence’s title track. 1985 saw Cray’s False Accusationsalbum increase his standing as the foremost singer of blues noir songs, while that year’s Showdown!-a sizzling collaboration with guitarists’ AlbertCollins and Johnny Copeland-won Robert huge acclaim from blues musicians and fans: the new guy’s the real deal! Signing to Mercury Records, Cray’s 1986 album Strong Persuaderensured he became the first blues/soul musician to break through in the MTV era. Strong Persuader won Cray rave reviews from pop and rock critics, topped charts worldwide, saw Cray grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Recording in 1988. Strong Persuader, with its songs of infidelity, guilt and unease, while notin any sense conventional Top 40 music, proved so strong an album it broke through barriers, sold millions of copies and would prove extremely influential. Cray’s breakthrough allowed both young and older blues and soul musicians to gain wide attention and radio play: John Lee Hooker’s career resurrection came soon after withThe Healer, and Robert plays on that seminal album.“It was great to be able to travel around the world,” says Cray ofStrong Persuader’ssuccess. “It afforded us a lot of great opportunities that we were lucky to experience.”Cray’s being modest here: suddenly he found himself the hottest guitarist working–Tina Turner invited Robert to support her huge European tour (every night, after playing with his band, Cray would join Tina on stage to play A Change Is Gonna Come), then Keith Richards called, requesting Cray join the band backing Chuck Berry for Taylor Hackford’s celebratory feature lengthdocumentaryHail Hail Rock ‘N’ Roll. Here Cray not only got to play with the mercurial Berry(+Linda Ronstadt and Etta James, amongst many notable artists), he also formed a friendship with Steve Jordan, then drummer for the project and Richards’ solo band. Now internationally famous, Cray found himself in intense demand: he toured with the Stones and Eric Clapton, played with B.B King and Buddy Guy (both of whom were inspirations), headlined noted music festivals–these included Glastonbury in the UK and Crossroads Guitar Festival in theUS-and kept developing his sound over a selection of strong albums across the 1990s. Cray’ssongwriting has addressed ageing, love, loneliness, domestic turmoil and US politics, while his music’s expansive vision found the likes of Cajun accordion legend Jo-El Sonnier and MemphisHorns’ trumpet and saxophone masters Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love guesting on his albums. As an artist Robert Cray’s aged like fine wine–his voice has developed a greater range and expressiveness, this he’s put to use on masterful interpretations of such Southern soul standards as IForgot To Be Your Lover (William Bell), Your Good Thing Is About To End (Mable John) andNobody’s Fault But Mine (Otis Redding). At the same time, Cray’s guitar playing now possesses an additional depth, a growl that can hint at a caress then signal emotional upheaval. His recent run of albums–2014’sIn My Soul, 2017’sRobert Cray & Hi Rhythmand 2020’smasterfulThat’s What I Heard(all produced by Steve Jordan: now the Stones’ drummer)–area mongst the very finest he’s made. Every song here is deeply felt, whether an agonized song of loss, an angry protest number, or a dance tune that gets audiences pumping (My Baby Likes To Boogaloo is great funky fun). Across five decades Robert Cray has created a richly inclusive American music, revitalizing both blues and soul while rocking hard with the very best. To achieve 50 years in the music industry and still be as fresh and committed as when starting out is an achievement few can boast of but Craycan: he has released 19 studio albums, every one replete with his extremely distinctive songs, won five Grammy Awards and continues to make music that sounds like no one but Robert Cray. "All these years we have been fortunate to do what we love doing, playing the music we love playing,” says Cray with a smile. “I couldn't ask for anything more.” Garth Cartwright

Darnell "Big D" Cole is an Independent Rock/Americana artist. As a Blues and Soul musician, his art is centered around his captivating electric guitar, taking one on a journey emotionally and spiritually. Big D was born in the summer of 1990, in Pasadena, California, to biological parents Marty Murphy and Cemone Curtis. At 4 months old he was adopted by Dennis and Janet Cole where everything changed. His parents performed in a top 40 cover band which allowed music/Instruments to always be accessible. It was commonplace to see Darnell roaming the house with nothing but a diaper and a guitar. At 10 years old, Darnell began playing bass and started experimenting with original music. At age 15, he picked up a guitar and leanrned a few chords and a year later wrote his first song. From 16-18, he would busk outside his local grocery store/coffee shop, sometimes for 12 hours, 5 days a week, learning new songs, and perfecting his craft. This became his main source of income and one of the biggest contributing factors on his path towards stardom. At 18, he became an EMT, providing the experience of caring for others during their hardest times. Being a frontline responder helped shape his outlook, and his passion for connecting with people. "Music heals the wounds medicine can't fix", is a statement often heard uttered by Big D when asked why he does music. In 2011, he released his first solo, acoustic album: "Loving Antics", followed up by "On the low" and "For the First Time". A young Darnell was ambitious for bigger and better things, eventually leading to the start of blues rock band: Porcelain Hill. After a single jam with drummer Sonny Campos, the Porcelain Hill chapter began, first revising and re-approaching old songs from Darnell's existing catalog, to writing fresh, new material. The duo, fronted by Big D, would go on to win several Battle of the Bands, as well as be signed to small indie label, Wright Records. Shortly after their first album, Rock n Rolla, the duo would decide to ditch the label and become an Independent trio, adding Jacob Lucero to play bass on the project. Darnell, at the helm of Porcelain Hill, would go on to tour 9 different countries, all booked and setup by himself, as well as write and release 2 more albums, and an EP. During this period he would really cut his teeth, opening up for/sharing the stage with more established artists such as Missing Persons, Iron Butterfly, Sister Sledge, Dru Hill, John Illsley, The Wailers, Ana Popovic, Walter Trout, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Bernie Marsden and more! During this time, Big D became a Vintage Guitars Endorser, receiving the honor of having several signature/custom guitars with the company, as well as being featured on several of their publications. In 2019, he booked a 6 month UK tour for Porcelain Hill, and led the band to victory in several Battle of the Bands despite having bass player lineup changes. This was also the year he really started to breakout individually, earning a spot performing at the Electric Picnic festival in Ireland, alongside such artists as Amy Montgomery, The Strokes, Billie Eilish, and The 1975 to name a few. Unfortunately, the pandemic in 2020 put a pause on the growth and momentum gained in 2019, but also brought a period of personal growth for Big D as a songwriter, musicain, and performer. In 2021, he wrote and released one more album and one more EP with Porcelian Hill, and toured with the new material until the band disbanded in summer of 2022. Sadly, Porcelian Hill disbanded with only 7 days before a scheduled UK tour, but Darnell recognized the chance to seize an opportunity. Within that week, he recorded an EP, rebranded, and put together a band for his solo project: "Darnell Cole & the Vibe". The new project went on to tour the UK and Ireland, with the debut show being a welcomed return to the Electric Picnic festival. Recently, Darnell has just released a debut album, "A Man of Soul". You can listen to the album by picking up a physical copy available at LIVE shows or via download, exclusively from Bandcamp.com! The album will be released song by song as singles throughout the year on all major streaming platforms. He will be taking this album across the pond and sharing the music on his upcoming "Soul Funkin' Wicked Tour"! The tour will span two months across the UK and Ireland, which will include performances at some noteable festivals; PAX in The Park in Sheffield England, and once again at the Electric Picnic in Ireland! The Sky is the limit for this Rocker out of Southern California, check back here for more updates to his story.