Affectionately known to all as “Gumboy” or “Maple Monkey”, this fun loving Canadian is the longest living Cray Band tour manager. Draper credits healthful living as the reason.

Draper is a seasoned touring veteran. Having started on the road with Sugarloaf in 1971, he has worked for many professional headlining acts, including War, Boz Scaggs, Ambrosia, Pablo Cruise, Tab Benoit, Little River Band, Rickie Lee Jones and BB King. Not counting the years in prison, he has been touring for 18 years. Dave first met the Robert Cray Band and Crew while doing a stint behind the wheel of the equipment truck, and shortly thereafter, was demoted to the tour manager position, being unable to find many of the venues. This was corrected by making him the tour manager, so that he only now has to sit on the tour coach and be taken there. When asked how he likes traveling with Robert Cray, Dave replied, “Oh, its all right”.

Mr. Draper has a high appreciation for the position that he finds himself in today, and would rather not have to look for another band through his final days.