Claude Gray Jr., born January 25, 1932, in Henderson, Texas, was an American country singer known as “The Tall Texan.” After serving in the United States Navy and working as a salesman, he began his career as a radio announcer and disc jockey before signing with D Records in 1959. In 1960, he released the hit "Family Bible," which reached number 10 on the country chart, followed by "I’ll Just Have a Cup of Coffee (Then I’ll Go)," peaking at number 4, and "My Ears Should Burn (When Fools Are Talked About)," which reached number 3 in 1961. He toured North America and Europe with The Claude Gray Roadshow and released a cover of Neil Diamond’s "Sweet Caroline" in 1986. Alongside artists such as Ray Price, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, Don Gibson, and Chet Atkins, Gray was associated with the Nashville Sound and the Countrypolitan movement, helping broaden country music's appeal to pop audiences. Gray died on April 28, 2023, in Skokie, Illinois, at age 91.
