Bluesman great, Henry Gray dies

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

Pianist, vocalist and composer Henry Gray played the real deal blues, swamp blues, boogie-woogie and he even threw some classic rhythm and blues in there as well. Donning his signature piano key emblazoned necktie, suit and hat, Gray always presented an image of pure class and performed that way too. Gray died on February 17, 2020 at the age of 95.

Born in Kenner, Louisiana, Gray grew up in a town called Alsen not far from Baton Rouge. Like so many great keyboardist from Louisiana and beyond, he began playing organ and piano in church and by the time he was 16 he was performing professionally. Gray continued to play and record throughout his remarkable seven decade career. His final album, 92, the title of which represented his age, demonstrated the mastery of his strong, two-handed piano attack whatever the genre. On the first cut of the release, his original “Come On In,” he offers humor-filled lyrics delivered in his very personable vocal style. Those at the 2018 Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival held in Lafayette Square got a live taste of this fine album by Henry Gray & the Cats, who were essentially Gray plus zydeco accordionist/vocalist Terrance Simien’s band including guitarist Lil’ Buck Sinegal who passed away just last year.

HENRY GRAY
January 19, 1925 – February 17, 2020

Gray left his home state in 1946 and headed to Chicago where he would remain for over 20 years and he became central to the Windy City’s booming blues scene. He performed and recorded, primarily with the Chess Records label, with the proverbial “everybody” including Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Big Maceo Merriweather, Little Walter and more. He spent 12 years working in legendary Howlin’ Wolf’s band before returning to Louisiana in 1968. In 1998 Gray was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album category for his release of “A Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf.”

The pianist and vocalist rightfully garnered many accolades throughout his highly prolific career including the prestigious National Endowment for the Art’s Fellowship Award and induction into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. Deeply admired and respected by musicians and fans around the world, Gray even performed at the Rolling Stones’ iconic Mick Jagger’s 55th birthday party. Hey, the Stones dug him.

Gray appeared at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival some 40 times with his first performance happening back in 1974. His sets were always a “don’t miss” shows at the Fest for anyone with an appreciation of music played with authenticity and a ton of soul. Gray incorporated his Louisiana roots, that swampy sound complete with those essential right-handed triplets and bows to our own artists like Lloyd Price, with the Chicago blues sound that he helped to create.

This article originally published in the March 2, 2020 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.