In a little town called Stevens, Arkansas, Larry McCray was born April 5, 1960. There would be nine siblings, spanning 30 years, but only a few would hear the music calling. "My big sis, Clara, was my first inspiration. She and a small group did a lot of practicing and playing around the house - I knew at an early age what I wanted to do."
Clara relocated to Saginaw, Michigan in 1972 with 12-year old Larry in tow. Soon after she put a guitar in the hands of the younger brother and the seed was planted. "I never envisioned playing in a band or making a career in music; we just played for the pure enjoyment. If we entertained a handful of neighbors, we kind of considered that our first ‘gig.' That's how it all started."
Weekends with Clara and friends sparked Larry's desire to pursue the instrument. The house would fill with musicians and acquaintances, and let the jammin' begin. "I was raised with Clara's three children, but being only three years older than Clara's eldest, I was more the big kid brother then Uncle Larry." Only this kid wanted to be a part of the musician crowd and Larry hung with them until his persistence paid off. "They finally handed me a second-hand guitar, let me sing a little in my high-pitched, little girl voice - but now I was part of the entertainment, part of the fun." Clara's Gibson SG was forbidden territory for little brother, but once she realized his sincerity and willingness to learn, she let him use her prized possession.
Two early Saginaw influences on McCray were Johnny Red (Bias) and Howard Pitman. Later, in his teens, Larry met New Orleans-bred, Aaron Stampley. "He taught me all the different chords and I would add my personal twist." Soon, Larry and brothers, Carl (bassist) and Steve (drummer) united in Saginaw to invent their own family sound. Together with friends, Manuel Sheares, Rick Thorton and Clara's two kids, Tony and Judy, our first working band was formed.
Performing on and off as the "McCray Brothers" for a dozen years, Larry, Carl and Steve pushed the envelope around the state, eventually catching the attention of a Detroit record producer. "Ambition" marked Larry McCray's first national release in 1990. "It ended up being a horrifying experience," states McCray. "It took a year and a half of disputes to finally get clear of that management, a painful lesson learned."
On the heels of a European tour with B.B. King and Gary Moore, McCray met current manager, Paul Koch, and in 1993 released "Delta Hurricane". Soon followed Koch and introduced Larry to the sound of the Allman Brothers, particularly guitarist and friend, Warren Hayes, whose song, "Soulshine," was first cut by McCray. The song has gone on to incredible heights for all the performers, becoming a musical staple in the blues/rock world. "Paul met the Allmans first and encouraged me to check out their sound. I just figured they were another southern rock band playing rebel music. But I listened and I liked what they were doing."
Following "Delta Hurricane," McCray continued an ambitious tour schedule and in 1998 dropped another gem, "Born to Play the Blues." Larry's kicked-back, straightforward attitude carried him through the high peaks and low valleys of the turbulent ‘90s.
"I've had the ultimate experience," McCray continues. "With the exception of Freddie King, I've met all my mentors, B.B., Albert King and Albert Collins - and as far as I was concerned, there wasn't ‘no more' guitar out there after that. They were the four baddest dudes on the planet. For technique, prowess and talent, they set the standard for what electric blues has evolved into today." McCray continues, "You can't forget Luther Allison, a great player and singer or Junior Wells and Little Milton. They are gone now, but the old master, Buddy Guy, carries on as top dog for that generation. And the "Superkids" today like Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales and Derek Trucks are looking to take the music to a whole new level.
As the Blues torch gets passed from generation to generation, McCray hopes to establish his own legacy through his passion, dedication and love of the music.
"I don't want to inherit the mantle because many of the great artists have passed away. I want to inherit it because we deserve it - because of our contribution and our work."
2000 found the guitarist and Koch establishing their own independent record company, forming Magnolia Records. The release Believe It kicked it off, putting McCray on pace to continue to produce albums on his own dime and time, without the restrictions of a pressing-type label.
"I think we're on the right track, but the industry not the same anymore. With the Internet and the computer, the easy to access music has forever changed the way recordings are sold. But being successful also means being true to the music I believe in, and confident that the public believes in me too."
McCray also sights a career highlight as being honored as the Orville Gibson 2000 Male Blues Guitarist of the Year. He was in prestigious company as Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton along with seven others. "Quite ironic," says McCray, "I wasn't allowed to touch my sister's Gibson guitar."
With Magnolia Records his new home and a young son to raise, juggling his personal and professional life has become a challenge. Finding time to write new songs and staying busy on tour are constant odds.
"You have to work, but you also need to set time aside some to create and develop some semblance of a family life. It's a constant roller coaster spinnin'."
Magnolia Records released the McCray's first live album, Live On 75, on December 6, 2005, and a self-titled studio album in May of 2007.
