Blues Hall of Famer Henry Gray Dead at 95
Louisiana blues singer and piano player Henry Gray died on Monday February 17, 2020 in hospice care.
His death was confirmed via a post on his official Facebook page made by his great-grandson.
"It is with great sadness that I formally announce that my Great Grandfather Henry Gray has transitioned. My family and I appreciate every prayer, every donation, every smile, and every word of encouragement that you have given throughout his more than 70 year career.
Thank you all."
Gray was a musician for over seven decades, performing all over America, Europe and Japan. He appeared at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 39 times, and also made appearances at Montreux Jazz Festival, King Biscuit Blues Festival, and the Chicago and Baton Rouge blues festivals.
Even after surviving a collapsed lung and mild heart attack, Gary continued to play at the Time Out Lounge in Baton Rouge every Tuesday night for three years.
In 1993 I became acquainted with the pianist Henry Gray (1925-2020, Louisiana). In those years Wijchen/Arnhem has an annual blues festival and to be able to pay the artists they are also offered elsewhere. This is the chance for us to play with a blues pianist of his stature. Henry is also a well-known studio musician and I have several of his CDs on which he plays (Billy Boy Arnold, Howlin 'Wolf, Muddy Waters).
He keeps the repertoire simple for us and plays in two keys, G and C. It is a boisterous performance and Henry has it his way and we're having a good time.
R.I.P. Henry