Foul Play

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some juicy trivia about "Foul Play" from Robert Cray's iconic album Strong Persuader! This track, a slick blend of blues and soul, tells the story of a man suspecting his partner's infidelity, with lyrics dripping in suspicion like "I suspect foul play" and a groove that hooks you right in. In a 2014 interview with the Dallas Observer, Cray shared that the album's success, including tracks like "Foul Play," was unexpected. He recorded it after heavy touring, thinking it was just another project, only to see it explode thanks to a deal with Mercury Records. The song's narrative style, paired with Cray’s sharp guitar and soulful voice, helped make it a fan favorite, capturing the album’s theme of love gone wrong.

Another tidbit comes from a 2021 post on the X platform, where a fan raved about Strong Persuader, calling it "one fine blues album" and challenging anyone to argue otherwise. This shows the enduring love for tracks like "Foul Play," which still resonates with listeners for its relatable storytelling and clean, modern blues sound. In a 2023 AZ Central interview, Cray reflected on how the album’s mix of R&B and rock, rather than straight blues, set it apart, with "Foul Play" exemplifying that soulful edge. Its crisp production, courtesy of producers Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker, gave it a polished yet raw feel that hooked a wide audience.

Now, let’s rewind to how Robert Cray kicked off his legendary career. Born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, Cray was an army brat, moving around before settling in Tacoma, Washington. His love for music sparked early, influenced by blues and soul records at home. By his teens, while at Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, he was playing guitar in his first band, The One-Way Street, inspired by legends like Albert Collins and B.B. King. After high school, Cray dove into the blues scene, forming the Robert Cray Band in Eugene, Oregon, in the late 1970s. His early albums, like Who’s Been Talkin’ (1980), built a cult following, but it was Strong Persuader in 1986 that launched him to stardom, earning a Grammy and selling over two million copies.

Stay connected with Robert Cray through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour updates and new releases. Fans can also join the vibrant Robert Cray Fans Facebook group to swap stories and celebrate his music. For more, check out his official site at robertcray.com, your go-to for merch, tour dates, and all things Cray. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Freaks!