Larry McCray – Blues Guitar Virtuoso and Soulful Storyteller

Larry McCray is an acclaimed American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose powerful vocals and scorching guitar work have made him a modern torchbearer of the blues tradition. Born on April 5, 1960, in Magnolia, Arkansas, and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, McCray grew up in a deeply musical household where the gospel and soul sounds of the South blended with the electric blues of Chicago and Detroit.

Influenced early by his older sister Clara, who introduced him to the guitar, Larry was also inspired by legendary artists like B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King, and blues-rock innovators such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. These influences shaped McCray’s signature style—a fiery fusion of traditional blues, Southern soul, and rock power that feels both reverent and rebellious.

McCray first stepped into the spotlight with his 1990 debut album, Ambition, released on Point Blank/Virgin Records. The album announced his arrival as a force in the contemporary blues world, earning critical praise for its raw intensity and heartfelt songwriting. His follow-up releases, including Delta Hurricane (1993), Born to Play the Blues (1998), and Believe It (2000), solidified his place as one of the most compelling guitarists and vocalists of his generation.

In 2000, McCray founded his own label, Magnolia Records, named in honor of his birthplace, allowing him greater creative freedom and control over his music. His work through the label continued to evolve, blending gritty authenticity with thoughtful production and genre-crossing appeal.

Over the years, McCray has shared stages with a who’s who of blues and rock royalty, including Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Albert Collins, Jonny Lang, and The Allman Brothers Band. His live performances are renowned for their emotional intensity, masterful solos, and a deep connection with audiences that transcends generations.

After several years of relative quiet in the studio, McCray made a powerful return with his 2022 album Blues Without You, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith and released on Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive Records. The album received widespread acclaim for its soul-drenched vocals, tasteful guitar work, and lyrical depth. It served as a reminder that McCray’s artistry only deepens with time, combining the grit of his Southern roots with the polish of a seasoned performer.

Larry McCray’s career stands as a testament to the enduring power of the blues. Whether he’s playing a slow-burning ballad or a raucous, rock-tinged riff, McCray delivers every note with conviction, heart, and a deep respect for the traditions that shaped him. He continues to inspire a new generation of blues musicians while carrying forward the legacy of the genre’s greats.