Roy Gaines

Roy Gaines (August 12, 1934 - August 11, 2021) is an American Texas blues and electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Gaines's recorded work includes his self-penned track, "A Hell of a Night", which first appeared on his 1982 album, "Gainelining". He is the brother of another blues musician, Grady Gaines.

Gaines was born in Waskom, Texas, and relocated with his family to Houston at the age of six.  Originally a piano devotee, Gaines moved to play the guitar in his adolescence.  In his teens, he was acquainted with his fellow budding guitarist, Johnny Copeland.  By the age of 14, he had performed onstage backing his hero, T-Bone Walker, and played in Houston nightclubs before his move to Los Angeles, California. In 1955, Gaines's backing work appeared on Bobby Bland, Junior Parker, and Big Mama Thornton recordings.  He later backed Roy Milton and then Chuck Willis and worked again with Walker.

He released two low-key albums in 1956, and a couple more in the 1960s on small record labels.  In 1966, Gaines became part of the Ray Charles' backing band. Other backing work for Gaines included sessions with The Everly Brothers, The Supremes, Bobby Darin, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight.

His primary function was as a sideman, but he released his solo album, "Gainelining" in 1982. Further works followed such as "New Frontier Lover" (2000).  Also, Gaines had a small part in the 1985 film, "The Color Purple".  In 2009, Gaines (billed as Roy Gaines & His Orchestra) released "Tuxedo Blues", featuring a full big band. Selections included "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)," which Gaines originally performed in "The Color Purple". Also included was a cover of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You."

Gaines' co-composed song, "No Use Crying", was recorded by George Jones and Ray Charles.

Gaines died on August 11, 2021, a day before his 84th birthday.

(Roy Gaines at 8th Poconos Blues Festival 1999)