Larry McCray’s latest album Heartbreak City, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, marks a powerful new chapter in the bluesman’s storied career. With raw emotion, fiery guitar work, and soul-drenched vocals, McCray reconnects with his roots while showcasing personal growth and artistic evolution. The album’s ten tracks span soulful ballads to high-energy blues rock, featuring standout songs like “Bye Bye Blues” and “Bright Side,” which reflect McCray’s deep musical lineage and lived experiences. Collaborators such as Bonamassa, Smith, and McCray’s partner Peggy Smith add depth and richness, creating a sound that is both timeless and boldly contemporary.
Following his acclaimed 2022 release Blues Without You, Heartbreak City continues McCray’s resurgence after a long hiatus, reinforcing his status as a torchbearer for modern blues. Inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2024, McCray brings decades of experience shaped by gospel, soul, and the blues traditions of icons like B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix. His early career was marked by breakout success with Ambition in 1990, and over the years, he has shared stages with legends and garnered numerous accolades. Yet, it’s the heartfelt authenticity in his music that resonates most deeply. “This is who I am,” McCray affirms—an artist reborn, telling real stories through blues and soul.
"McCray presents the same kind of two-fisted combo that made giants like B.B. and Freddie King such formidable artists, with not only the ability to play blisteringly effective solos but also a voice that can rival the best blues singers from any bygone age.” – Guitar Player Magazine
