Nothin’ But a Woman

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful track "Nothin’ But a Woman" by Robert Cray from his iconic album Strong Persuader, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This song, featuring the punchy Memphis Horns, is a standout on the 1986 album, blending Cray’s smooth blues guitar with R&B flair. One juicy tidbit about the track comes from its lyrical vibe—described as a playful yet heartfelt ode to the power of a woman’s presence. In a 1987 interview with Billboard, Cray shared that the song’s lyrics were inspired by real-life moments of longing and admiration, capturing the essence of how a woman can turn any tough day around. The song’s infectious rhythm and cheeky lines, like “Tell me a boat full of lawyers just sank,” made it a fan favorite, often sparking lively crowd sing-alongs during live performances.

Another cool story about "Nothin’ But a Woman" ties to its recording process. According to a post on the Robert Cray Band’s Facebook page from 2016, celebrating the album’s 30th anniversary, the Memphis Horns were brought in to add that extra soulful punch. Cray recalled in a DownBeat magazine interview that the horn section’s energy in the studio was electric, pushing the band to nail the track in just a few takes. The song’s mix of humor and heart resonated widely, and fans on Cray’s X account often share clips of live performances, praising how the song’s groove never fails to get the crowd moving. Its universal appeal helped Strong Persuader sell over two million copies, cementing Cray’s place in blues history.

Robert Cray got his start in music thanks to a childhood steeped in diverse sounds and constant moves due to his father’s military career. Born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, Cray grew up in places like Virginia, California, and Germany before settling in Tacoma, Washington. His father’s record collection, filled with legends like Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, sparked his love for blues and soul. By his teens, Cray was hooked, teaching himself guitar and forming his first band, The One-Way Street, while at Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia. After high school, he dove into the Pacific Northwest music scene, playing college towns and 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 mainstream success.

Fans can stay connected with Robert Cray through his vibrant online presence. His official website, robertcray.com, offers tour dates, music, and exclusive merch for the Zoo Freaks to snag. On Facebook, the Robert Cray Band page shares tour updates, throwback photos, and fan interactions, while Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes shots and live performance snippets. Over on X, Cray engages with fans, sharing thoughts on music and upcoming shows. For those craving deeper fan connections, the Robert Cray Fans Facebook group is a lively spot where enthusiasts swap stories, rare tracks, and concert memories. Another gem is the fan-run site I Love Blues Guitar, which features articles and tributes to Cray’s legacy, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to dive deeper into his bluesy world.