Kenny Cordray (July 21, 1954 – May 21, 2017) was an American instrumental guitarist and songwriter known for his work within the blues-rock and Texas rock circles. Active from the late 1960s onward, Cordray combined technical guitar skills with songwriting that reached national attention when a song he co-wrote placed on the Billboard charts. His career connected him with established blues and rock musicians and several record labels of the era.

Career and collaborations

Cordray rose to prominence as the lead guitarist for the band THE CHILDREN, which released music on the Atco label. He later worked with ODE Records, a label produced by Lou Adler, placing him in the orbit of prominent industry figures. Over the years he shared stages with leading blues and rock performers, including John Mayall, John Lee Hooker, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. His songwriting credit includes co-writing "Francine," recorded by ZZ Top for their album Rio Grande Mud; the single reached the Billboard Hot 100.

Style and musical contributions

Cordray's playing was rooted in blues traditions but reflected the louder, electrified approach of late 1960s and 1970s rock. As an instrumentalist he favored extended guitar phrases and expressive bends, blending technical proficiency with feel. Beyond live performance he participated in studio sessions and band arrangements, contributing guitar parts and co-writing material that bridged regional Texas sounds and mainstream rock production.

Later life and death

In later years Cordray remained part of the Texas music community, performing regionally and collaborating with other musicians. He died on May 21, 2017, in Nassau Bay, Texas; reports indicate he was shot and killed in an incident involving a family member. The circumstances were widely covered in local news at the time.

Legacy and notable facts

  • Known both as a guitarist and as a songwriter whose work reached national charts through other artists.
  • Connected to major industry names and labels, including performances with blues legends and releases on Atco and ODE Records.
  • Remembered for his role in the Texas rock and blues scene and for session and collaborative work that supported better-known acts.

For further reading on artists and labels connected to Cordray's career, see materials linked to major blues and rock figures and historical summaries of the late 20th-century Texas music scene. Biographical coverage of Cordray appears in regional music histories and news reports about his collaborations and his death in Nassau Bay, Texas.