The upbringing and original history of artist, Dobie Gray, is sketchy at best. People argue about the artist’s true birth name, birth date, and place of birth. Gray was born either Larence Darrow Brow or Leonard Victor Ainsworth. Most scholars believe he was born on July 26, 1942 (some think 1940) in Brookshire, Texas (some state that the artist was born in Simonton, Texas). It is known, however, that he grew up in a family of sharecroppers and had a Baptist minister for a grandfather. His grandfather influenced Gray with Gospel music. Gray was also influenced by country music.
In the early 1960s, Gray moved to Los Angeles in hopes of becoming a star. While there, he recorded a bunch of albums under the pseudonyms: Leonard Ainsworth, Larry Curtis, and Larry Dennis. He had his first hit single in 1963 with “Look at Me.” He soon followed with the mild hit, “The ‘In’ Crowd.” Soon after, he had a chart appearance with the track, “See You At The Go-Go.” Afterwards, Gray took a small break from music to perform in the LA production for the musical, Hair. He did this for two years. Soon after, Gray joined a band called Pollution. The band released an album in 1971 on the Prophecy Label. In 1972, he signed a solo contract with MCA, and began working with producer and songwriter, Mentor Williams.
In 1973, Gray had his biggest hit, “Drift Away.” The song continues to be covered by artists in different genres of music. The track, with was written by Williams, is also continuously played on oldies stations. Gray then released the single, “Loving Arms,” with was penned by Tom Jans. In 1975, the artists signed to Capricorn Records and began recording music in Nashville. Eventually, he would relocate there. At this time, Gray had become very popular in both Europe and Africa. He even managed to convince South Africana authorities to allow him to have an integrated concert in South Africa during the apartheid. In 1978, he had a Top 40 hit with the single, “You Can Do It.”
Gray then released two LPS on the Infinity Records Label. In the mid 1980s, the artist signed to Capitol records. He had two more notable singles with: “That’s One to Grow On” and “From Where I Stand.”
In 1997, Gray released Diamond Cuts. The album contained new material and re-recorded tracks. In 2003, the singer had a top 40 hit when singer, Uncle Kracker re-did “Drift Away.” Gray was featured on the track.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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