Roy GAINES

⬇️ ROY GAINES ⬇️

DISCOGRAPHY 1981-2021 (19CD/DVD)

 BIOGRAPHY 

Gaines was born in Waskom, Texas, United States, and relocated with his family to Houston aged six. Originally a piano devotee, Gaines moved to playing 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 the Houston nightclubs before his move to Los Angeles, California. In 1955, Gaines backing work appeared on recordings by Bobby Bland, Junior Parker and Big Mama Thornton. 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 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, Gaineling in 1981. Further works followed such as New Frontier Lover (2000). Also, Gaines had a small part in the 1985 film, The Color Purple.

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

NEW!

2013-The War Is Over (Live) @FLAC+