Page 62 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2014

Henry Gray and author Bob Corritore at the Sin City
Soul & Blues Revival 2013 Photo by Marjani Viola Hawkins

Living Legend

Henry Gray

By Bob Corritore singer. Henry had the distinction of playing piano on both the
As the blues moves forward in time and new generations Billy Boy Arnold and the Jimmy Reed hit versions of “I Ain’t Got
make the music reflective of a newer perspective, there remain You.” In 1956, Henry joined Howlin’ Wolf’s band and became
few direct connections to the glorious, formative years of this a 12-year mainstay in that band’s lineup, working alongside
music. One such connection is the legendary Henry Gray, whose legendary guitarist Hubert Sumlin and participating in a number
classic vocals and immaculate piano are a reminder of how blues of Wolf’s most memorable recordings.
in its purest form should sound. Henry’s brilliant Chicago period came to an end in 1968
At 89-years-young, Henry Gray has been there and done when he returned home to Louisiana to look after his recently
that, having been an integral part of some of the greatest and widowed mother. He was warmly re-welcomed by the Baton
most defining moments of Chicago Blues. His classic 1950s Rouge music community and soon recorded sides for the Excello
and ‘60s recordings with Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Billy Boy and Arhoolie labels. Henry would also find great success in
Arnold, Jimmy Rogers and Little Walter are cornerstones of the Europe and partnered with bassist Andy Cornett in a touring and
genre. Could you imagine Jimmy Rogers’ “Chicago Bound” recording unit called Henry Gray and the Cats. In 1988, Blind
without Henry’s wild, romping solo, or Howlin’ Wolf’s “I Ain’t Pig Records released Henry’s album Lucky Man, ably produced
Superstitious” without Henry’s sympathetic and powerful by guitarist Steve Freund and showing Henry in exceptional
accompaniment? This is not someone trying to approximate the form. Henry’s participation in the multi-artist album, A Tribute to
way it was done on a classic record – this is the guy that actually Howlin’ Wolf, earned him a 1998 Grammy nomination and that
played on that record! We are blessed to have this experienced year Henry also played at Mick Jagger’s 55th birthday in Paris.
blues veteran who gives us a clear window to the past. I had the honor of producing Henry’s 2001 CD, Plays
The Henry Gray story began in Kenner, Louisiana on January Chicago Blues, which earned him a Handy nomination. Henry
19, 1925. At age eight, Henry started studying the piano, initially was part of Martin Scorsese’s The Blues series that aired on
playing church music before switching to the blues and working PBS and was awarded the 2006 National Heritage Fellowship
some clubs in the Baton Rouge area. He served in the army in Award by the National Endowment for the Arts. Also in 2006,
WWII where he was frequently called upon to perform for the Henry, along with fellow piano masters Pinetop Perkins and Floyd
troops. After the war, Henry moved to Chicago and met piano Dixon, participated in the filming and recording of Time Brings
star Big Maceo who became his greatest influence. Henry credits About A Change… A Floyd Dixon Celebration, which came out
his solid left-hand bass notes, as well as the powerful flourishes of that year on CD and just last year on DVD. In the last 20 years,
fills and builds, to his Big Maceo mentorship. Henry has participated in sessions with Tail Dragger, Dave Riley,
Henry’s first recording session was with Jimmy Rogers in Chris James and Patrick Rynn, Little Milton, Nappy Brown, John
1952, producing the glorious “Out On The Road” and “Last Brim, Tab Benoit, Clarence Edwards, Big Pete Pearson and yours
Time.” Sessions followed as both a sideman to some of the truly. Henry remains active in his touring, recording and local
greatest artists of Chicago blues and as a featured leader and Baton Rouge gigs.

60 Blues Festival Guide 2014