Happy Birthday Henry Gray

Help Henry Gray celebrate his 90th birthday on Friday, Jan. 16, at the Boondocks Lounge, 3306 N. First Ave. Gray is no rock 'n' roll wilting flower. The man has a European tour coming up soon. This all-star celebration, organized by KXCI's The Blues Review's Marty Kool with the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation, features Delta Groove Records recording artist, Bob Corritore on harmonica; Brian Fahey (Paladins, Rhythm Room All-Stars) on drums; Troy Sandow (The Fremonts, James Harman, Nathan James) on bass; and young guitar phenomen Big Jon Atkinson. Gray was born in 1925 in Kenner, Louisiana, and started playing piano in his local Baptist church as a youngster, and by the time he was 16 he was playing in a local club. His first recording session was in 1952 with Jimmy Rogers. Since then he's worked and recorded with a Who's Who of Blues talent, including Jimmy Reed, Robert Lockwood, Jr, Homesick James, James Cotton, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, The Rolling Stones and more. Henry even spent 12 years in The Howlin' Wolf Band starting in 1956. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, and SABHF & KXCI members are $12. For more info, call Boondocks, 690-0991.