Caron Nimoy “Sugaray” Rayford (57), born in Tyler, Texas, grew up with gospel and soul, singing and playing in church from the age of seven. It’s followed him ever since, in a career that stretches back to the 90s. He grew up in poverty, competing with his brothers to see who was the skinniest! His mother died when he was young, and things got better when he moved in with his grandmother. He was fed every day!
Sugaray made his album debut in 2010. The following year he briefly became the lead vocalist for The Mannish Boys, before releasing his first solo album on a major label in 2013, “Dangerous” – featuring Kim Wilson and “our own” Kid Andersen and a host of other prominent guests. In 2019 and 2020, he was named “Soul Blues Artist of the Year” at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis. He was B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2020, and in the same year his album “Somebody Save Me” was rewarded with a Grammy nomination. His last album to date, “Human Decency”, was released in 2024.
The music is described as classic soul and funky R&B groove, mixed with raw blues power. The Soul & Jazz & Funk website draws a line from the golden Chess Records days and artists such as Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters to the classic soul music of Solomon Burke, Curtis Mayfield and Teddy Pendergrass. During Dark Season Blues, Sugaray will be backed by J.T. Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters.
