Claude Gray

Claude Gray, known as “The Tall Texan” and the “Family Bible” singer, died April 28, 2023. He was 91. Originally from Henderson, Texas, Gray began his early adulthood serving in the U.S. Navy. It wasn’t until his late 20s, after landing a job as a radio announcer, that he began to pursue music. Signed by D Records, his Country Music career took off after he recorded hit “Family Bible.” The song, originally written by Willie Nelson, was sold to Paul Buskirk so Nelson could keep food on the table, but ironically Nelson credits its success as the impetus for him continuing to write songs and move to Nashville. Two years later, Gray was signed to Mercury Records and released his album Songs of Broken Love Affairs, which included hits “I’ll Just Have a Cup of Coffee (Then I’ll Go)” and “My Ears Should Burn (When Fools Are Talked About).” Gray continued releasing songs into the late 1960s, and into his older age, he remained active in the Country space, touring in the “Claude Gray Roadshow.”