New Blood

The Zoo Crew is spinning "New Blood" by Robert Cray from his 1986 album Strong Persuader, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its soulful groove. This track, the closer on the album, captures Cray’s signature blend of blues, R&B, and rock with lyrics that pulse with restless energy, like “Got a real bad case of restless / As I pace around my room.” Posts on X from fans, like one from September 2023, praise the song for its role in showing how Strong Persuader revitalized blues with a contemporary edge, calling Cray’s guitar work a “crystal clean fireball.” The album’s producer, Dennis Walker, and Cray crafted a sound that avoided traditional blues tropes, leaning instead into a polished, radio-friendly vibe that still felt raw. In a 2021 interview with In The Studio, Cray himself noted that Strong Persuader didn’t have a single “straight-ahead blues tune,” emphasizing its R&B and rock influences, which "New Blood" exemplifies with its driving rhythm and sharp guitar licks.

Another tidbit about "New Blood" comes from its place in Cray’s live performances. Fans on Facebook often share memories of hearing it live, where Cray’s electrifying fretwork and smooth vocals stretch the song into a hypnotic jam. The song’s themes of restlessness and longing resonated with audiences, and its placement as the album’s final track gave it a haunting, memorable close. Strong Persuader itself was a game-changer, selling over two million copies and earning a Grammy, with "New Blood" contributing to its critical acclaim. Rolling Stone ranked the album No. 42 on its list of the 100 greatest albums of the ‘80s, and critics like Robert Christgau hailed it as a standout for its sophisticated songwriting. The Memphis Horns, featured on tracks like “Nothin’ but a Woman” from the same album, added a soulful depth that complements the vibe of "New Blood."

Robert Cray was born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, to a military family that moved frequently, living in places like Virginia, California, and Germany before settling in Tacoma, Washington, in 1968. His early musical influences included soul giants like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, but it was seeing blues legends like Albert Collins, Freddie King, and Muddy Waters in concert that set him on his path. By his early teens, while at Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, Cray was already playing guitar and formed his first band, The One-Way Street. By age 20, inspired by his heroes, he started the Robert Cray Band in Eugene, Oregon, in the late 1970s, gigging in college towns along the West Coast. His big break came with 1983’s Bad Influence on Hightone Records, followed by 1985’s Showdown! with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland, which won a Grammy. Signing with Mercury Records led to Strong Persuader, cementing his status as a blues icon.

Cray’s journey wasn’t just about music; it was about bridging genres and audiences. His collaborations with legends like John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, and Eric Clapton showcased his versatility. He played on Hooker’s The Healer and backed Chuck Berry in the 1987 documentary Hail! Hail! Rock ‘N’ Roll. Cray’s five Grammy wins and 2011 induction into the Blues Hall of Fame reflect his impact. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper dives, check out fan communities like the Robert Cray Fan Club on Facebook or explore his discography on AllMusic. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the blues alive with Cray’s timeless sound.