The Robert Cray Band – Strong Persuader (CD, 1986, Mercury 830 568-2 M-1, US Atomic CD)

Why This CD Matters
Strong Persuader was Robert Cray’s 1986 breakthrough album, bringing his contemporary electric blues sound to a substantially wider audience through songs including “Smoking Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because Of Me).” The core band features Cray on guitar and vocals, Richard Cousins on bass, David Olson on drums, and Peter Boe on keyboards, with the Memphis Horns contributing horn arrangements. The album earned Cray a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Recording and became one of the defining blues releases of the 1980s.

Collector Note
This U.S. Mercury edition carries catalog number 830 568-2 M-1 and features the Mercury “atomic” CD design with MADE IN USA printed at the bottom. The spine, disc, and booklet credit the release to The Robert Cray Band. Bernie Grundman mastered the album at Bernie Grundman Mastering, with Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker producing.

Availability
Single copy available—once it's gone, it's gone.

Condition & Details
CD: VG+
Case: VG+
Booklet: VG+

Technical Details
Format: CD, Album
Label: Mercury – 830 568-2 M-1
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Rock, Blues
Style: Blues Rock

Matrix / Runout
Not specified

Tracklist
Smoking Gun 4:06
I Guess I Showed Her 3:37
Right Next Door (Because Of Me) 4:18
Nothin' But A Woman 3:56
Still Around 3:40
More Than I Could Stand 2:57
Foul Play 4:06
I Wonder 3:55
Fantasized 4:02
New Blood 4:19

Shipping & Handling
Cleaned with alcohol swabs.
Shipped in protective CD bags.
Cracked cases replaced before shipping.
Packed securely for safe delivery.

About Maple City Music
Maple City Music is a veteran-owned record store in Vermont focused on honest grading, fair pricing, and high-quality media. Every item is carefully inspected, cleaned, and prepared so it arrives exactly as described.