Roy Gaines born 12 August 1937

Roy James Gaines (August 12, 1937 – August 11, 2021) was an American Texas blues and electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. He wrote and recorded the song "A Hell of a Night", which was first issued on his 1982 album Gainelining. He was the younger brother of the blues musician Grady Gaines.

Gaines was born in Waskom, Texas and relocated with his family to Houston when he was six years old. Originally a piano devotee, Gaines moved to playing the guitar in his adolescence. In his teens he was acquainted with another budding guitarist, Johnny Copeland. By the age of 14 he had performed onstage backing his hero, T-Bone Walker, and played in Houston nightclubs. After a failed marriage at the age of 16, Gaines headed to California where he found himself thrust into the world of late night bars and touring with Roy “Pops” Milton. In 1955, Gaines played as a backing musician on recordings by Bobby Bland, Junior Parker and Big Mama Thornton. He later backed Roy Milton and then Chuck Willis, and he worked again with Walker. 

                                     

In 1958 he played with Billie Holiday on Jazz Party, the singer’s last public appearance with pianist Mal Waldron and bassist Vinnie Burke. He released two low-key albums in 1956 and a couple more in the 1960s for small record companies.  At the end of the 1950's, Roy went back to Los Angeles recording with his former boss and friend Roy Milton, the Jazz Crusaders and under his name before being drafted by Uncle Sam in 1962. Based in Monterey, Roy took more music lessons from several musicians including Woody Herman. When he was discharged from the Army, Roy became a most sought after session man. 

In 1966, Gaines became part of Ray Charles's backing band. He was also a backing musician in sessions with the Everly Brothers, the Supremes, Bobby Darin, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight. Roy Gaines was known for his ability to blend different blues styles. He combined the raw energy of Texas blues with the powerful sound of electric blues. This made his music exciting and fresh. He was a true artist who put his heart into every performance.  

In 1975, Roy toured France with organist Milt Buckner recording behind Milt (a fantastic version of Green Onions) and his first whole album for the Black & Blue French label (Superman).. He then toured several times in Europe, recording more albums while operating a complex in Los Angeles' Crenshaw district that housed a nightclub, restaurant and a recording studio! Roy was part of Harry Belafonte's Las Vegas show in 1976. He toured Central and South America with the Supremes in 1976, and the U.S. with Diana Ross in 1977. 

Although he worked primarily as a sideman, his prolific career spans many iconic albums including Gainelining (1982), Lucille Work for Me (1996), Bluesman for Life (1998), I Got The T-Bone Walker Blues (1999) and New Frontier Lover (2000). It was followed by Tuxedo Blues, featuring a big band billed as Roy Gaines & His Orchestra, released in 2009. The album includes the song "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)," which Gaines had performed in the 1985 film The Color Purple. Also included is a cover version of Michael Jackson's "Rock with You." Gaines co-wrote the song "No Use Crying", which was recorded by George Jones and Ray Charles. 

In 2018 he played the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl with an 18-piece orchestra. That same year he did the Central Ave Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the KSDS 88.3 live broadcast concert, and the Legendary Blues Cruise with a nine-piece orchestra featuring five horns. 

Gaines died on August 11, 2021, a day before his 84th birthday. He left behind a rich collection of music. His work continues to inspire new generations of blues musicians. Roy Gaines will always be remembered as a gifted guitarist, singer, and songwriter who helped keep the blues alive. 

(Wikipedia, American Blues Scene & Blue Eye)