Henry Gray was a venerated American blues pianist whose storied career spanned more than seven decades, imbuing the genre with his distinctive, rollicking piano style. Born on January 19, 1925, in Kenner, Louisiana, Gray grew up in a time and place where the blues were a vital part of everyday life. He began playing piano at a young age and was deeply influenced by the sounds that emanated from the thriving Louisiana and Chicago blues scenes.

After a stint in the US Army during World War II, Henry Gray moved to Chicago in 1946, where he honed his craft and became a mainstay in the city's bustling blues circuit. For more than a decade, he played with the legendary Howlin' Wolf, contributing to some of the most iconic blues recordings of the era. Gray's talent and versatility on the piano made him an in-demand session musician and he collaborated with a pantheon of blues greats, including Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Bo Diddley. His later years were marked by a prolific solo career, with standout albums such as "Louisiana Swamp Blues Vol. 2" and "Henry Gray & Short Fuse." With a legacy noted for his energetic performance and soulful sound, Gray continued to enthral audiences well into his 90s. His expansive catalogue, including live treasures like "Henry Gray, Live 1984 New Orleans," and posthumous releases such as "From the Vaults: Cold Chills," attest to his enduring impact on the blues tradition. Henry Gray passed away on February 17, 2020, leaving behind a timeless legacy as one of the true pillars of the blues piano.

Genres

Boogie-woogie

Louisiana Blues

New Orleans Blues

Piano Blues

Swamp Blues

Latest Release

Shake a Hand (Live)

Henry Gray

Album - 18 Tracks - Released July 7, 2021