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! <\/p>\n\n
Sugaray released his debut album in 2010. The following year, he briefly served as lead vocalist for The Mannish Boys, before releasing his first solo album on a major label in 2013, *Dangerous*\u2014featuring Kim Wilson, \u201cour very own\u201d Kid Andersen, and a number of other prominent guests. In 2019 and 2020, he was named \u201cSoul Blues Artist of the Year\u201d at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis. He was named \u201cB.B. King Entertainer of the Year\u201d in 2020, and that same year, his album \u201cSomebody Save Me\u201d earned a Grammy nomination. His most recent album to date, \u201cHuman Decency,\u201d was released in 2024. <\/p>\n\n
The music is described as classic soul and funky R&B grooves, mixed with raw blues energy. The website Soul & Jazz & Funk draws a line from the golden days of Chess Records and artists like Howlin\u2019 Wolf and Muddy Waters to the classic soul music of Solomon Burke, Curtis Mayfield, and Teddy Pendergrass. On *Dark Season Blues*, Sugaray is backed by J.T. Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters.