Still Around

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Still Around" by Robert Cray from his breakthrough album Strong Persuader, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this soulful blues track. While specific trivia about "Still Around" is scarce in interviews and social media, its place on the 1986 Grammy-winning album speaks volumes. The song, nestled among hits like "Smoking Gun" and "Right Next Door (Because of Me)," showcases Cray’s knack for blending blues with soulful storytelling, a hallmark of the album’s polished yet emotional vibe. Posts on X from fans, like one in 2023 calling Strong Persuader a “crystal clean fireball,” highlight how the album, including tracks like "Still Around," brought a contemporary edge to blues, making it radio-friendly while staying true to its roots. Critics, such as Samuel G. Freedman in the New York Times, praised the album’s “brooding, sizzling songs,” and "Still Around" fits that mold with its introspective lyrics about lingering love and unease, starting with the haunting line, “Something happened this morning when I opened my eyes.”

Another tidbit about Strong Persuader comes from a 2021 interview with In The Studio with Redbeard, where Cray’s songwriting was lauded as some of the most important since Jimi Hendrix. "Still Around," though less celebrated than the album’s chart-topping singles, benefits from the tight interplay of Cray’s band, including bassist Richard Cousins and the Memphis Horns, who add soulful depth. A fan on Amazon noted the album’s flawless delivery, with every song, including "Still Around," carrying Cray’s signature mix of rage and humor. The song’s understated groove and Cray’s clean guitar work make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s vibe, resonating with listeners who dig its smooth yet raw energy.

Robert Cray got his start in music as a teenager, born August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, to a military family that moved frequently, landing in Tacoma, Washington, by 1968. Influenced by soul giants like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, Cray picked up the guitar in his early teens, forming his first band, The One-Way Street, while at Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia. By his late teens, he was hooked on blues after seeing legends like Albert Collins and Muddy Waters live. At 20, he formed the Robert Cray Band in Eugene, Oregon, gigging in college towns and collaborating with harmonica player Curtis Salgado. His early albums, like 1980’s Who’s Been Talkin’ on Tomato Records, showed promise, but it was the mid-80s releases on Hightone Records—Bad Influence and False Accusations—that built his live reputation in the U.S. and Europe. Signing with Mercury Records led to Strong Persuader, his 1986 mainstream breakout, earning a Grammy and cementing his status as a blues icon.

Today, fans can connect with Robert Cray through his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and music. He’s active on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, sharing updates on performances and new releases. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Robert Cray Fans Facebook group is a hub for devotees to discuss his music, share concert photos, and swap stories about albums like Strong Persuader. Another fan-driven spot is the Robert Cray Band Facebook page, where fans post about his latest gigs and classic tracks like "Still Around." These spaces keep the blues alive, perfect for any Zoo Freak vibing to the Zoo Crew’s spin.