The Robert Cray Band will perform at Solvang Festival Theater on Saturday, Nov. 1; doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Blues icon Cray has spent five decades shaping American music with his soulful voice, masterful guitar playing, and unforgettable performances. Born in Georgia and raised in Washington, Cray picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV and was later inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s legendary Seattle performance, according to the Festival Theater.

Over his career, Cray has sold millions of albums, won five Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and received the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

He has shared stages and studios with John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Cray’s debut album “Who’s Been Talkin’” (recorded in 1978, released in 1980), was followed by “Bad Influence” (1983) and “False Accusations” (1985) before he signed with Mercury Records.

His 1986 breakthrough “Strong Persuader” made him the first blues/soul musician to break through in the MTV era, earning a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Recording.

The Robert Cray Band currently features Cray (guitar/vocals), Richard Cousins (bass), Dover Weinberg (keyboards), and Les Falconer (drums).

For tickets and information, visit https://solvangtheaterfest.org/show-details/robert-cray-band.