After having toured and recorded for over a decade, Robert Cray had a breakthrough with his 1986 release, Strong Persuader, which included his signature tune, “Smoking Gun”. Though the subject of criticism in those early days because of his willingness to embrace contemporary production techniques and incorporate soul and rock elements into his version of the blues, Cray’s recorded output over 30 plus years on the scene and continuous touring around the world prove that he is the real deal. His prodigious guitar work and soulful voice have withstood the test of time, and he is now rightfully regarded as one of the great blues artists. The 55-year old Grammy winner’s latest release, 2006’s Live From Across the Pond, was recorded over a seven night stand at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall and captures his band’s potent live sound.

This Wednesday, The Robert Cray Band will headline the 5th Annual Congressional Blues Festival, which will take place on the South Plaza of the Kennedy Center. The festival is an effort by the Music Maker Relief Foundation to raise awareness of the importance of preserving American roots music. The organization exists to provide performance and recording opportunities, grants, and other forms of assistance to struggling musicians who are preserving these traditions. Also scheduled to perform are Elvin Bishop, Mudcat, the duo of Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, and others. Many of the artists performing are on Music Maker’s roster of artists.

DCist’s coverage of last year’s event described the goals of the festival as well as what one can expect at the event itself. This year, we wanted to take a look at the festival’s cause from the perspective of one of the performers, and so Robert Cray graciously took the time to chat with DCist and give us his thoughts.