Right Next Door (Because of Me)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful blues of Robert Cray's "Right Next Door (Because of Me)" from his breakthrough album Strong Persuader, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this track's rich backstory. Written by Dennis Walker, the song tells a gripping tale of infidelity and guilt, with Cray's narrator overhearing a couple's breakup caused by his own actions. Its vivid storytelling and Cray's emotive guitar work helped it peak at number 27 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks, number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 50 on the UK Singles Chart in 1987. In a 1986 interview with Rolling Stone, Cray shared that the song's narrative was inspired by real-life observations of human drama, saying, "You hear things through walls, and you can't help but imagine the stories behind them." The track's raw emotional pull and polished production made it a standout, earning praise from critics like Jon Pareles, who noted Cray's ability to craft "intriguing stories about sex and infidelity with disciplined singing."

Digging into social media, fans on Robert Cray's official Facebook page often cite "Right Next Door" as a live performance highlight, with one 2023 post from a concert in Seattle describing the crowd's hush as Cray's guitar wailed the song's opening notes. On Reddit, a user in the r/Music community called it "a masterclass in blues storytelling," sparking discussions about its cinematic quality. The song has also been covered by artists like Bettye LaVette and The Grass Cats, showcasing its enduring influence. A lesser-known tidbit: the track's studio recording at Los Angeles' Sage & Sound studio captured Cray's vocal in a single take, a testament to his raw talent, as producer Bruce Bromberg recalled in a 1990 Blues Revue interview.

Robert Cray, born August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, began his musical journey as a teenager, driven by a deep love for blues and soul. Growing up in a military family, he moved frequently, eventually settling in Newport News, Virginia, where he attended Denbigh High School. There, his passion for music blossomed as he started collecting records by legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Cray picked up the guitar in his early teens, teaching himself by mimicking the riffs of his heroes. By the late 1960s, he formed his first band, playing local gigs in the Pacific Northwest after relocating to Eugene, Oregon. His big break came in 1978 when he formed the Robert Cray Band, blending blues with soul and R&B. The 1980s saw him rise to fame alongside contemporaries like Stevie Ray Vaughan, with Strong Persuader in 1986 cementing his status as a five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame inductee in 2011.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Cray's world, his official website, robertcray.com, offers tour dates, merchandise, and exclusive content. Follow him on Facebook for live performance clips and fan interactions, or check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos from the road. On X, Cray shares updates about new releases and tour stops, engaging directly with fans. For deeper fan connections, the Robert Cray Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where enthusiasts share concert memories and rare vinyl finds. While no major fan websites dominate, platforms like r/blues on Reddit frequently buzz with Cray appreciation, making it a great spot for Zoo Freaks to join the conversation.