Albert King: Remembering The Legendary King of Blues Guitar on his birthday
With his powerful voice, masterful guitar skills, and distinctive playing style, King left an indelible mark on the genre, earning him the title of “The King of Blues Guitar.”
Albert King: Remembering The Legendary King of Blues Guitar on his birthday
Albert King, born Albert Nelson on April 25, 1923, in Indianola, Mississippi, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in blues music history. With his powerful voice, masterful guitar skills, and distinctive playing style, King left an indelible mark on the genre, earning him the title of “The King of Blues Guitar.” Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, King was exposed to the rich musical traditions of the region from a young age. Inspired by blues icons like Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson, he taught himself to play the guitar, developing a unique fingerpicking technique that would later become his trademark.
In the 1950s, King moved to Chicago, where he began his professional music career. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of record producers with his electrifying performances and raw, emotive vocals. In 1961, he signed with the legendary Stax Records and released his debut album, “The Big Blues,” which showcased his gritty, soulful sound. King’s breakthrough came with his iconic 1967 album, “Born Under a Bad Sign.” The title track, written by Booker T. Jones and William Bell, became a blues anthem and catapulted King to international fame. With its searing guitar riffs and impassioned vocals, the song solidified King’s reputation as a master of the blues.
Throughout his career, King continued to captivate audiences with his electrifying live performances, often accompanied by his beloved Gibson Flying V guitar, affectionately named “Lucy.” His dynamic stage presence and improvisational prowess earned him legions of devoted fans and cemented his status as a blues legend.
In addition to his musical talents, King was also known for his larger-than-life personality and colorful anecdotes. His deep, gravelly voice and infectious laugh endeared him to audiences and fellow musicians alike, making him a beloved figure in the blues community.
Albert King died at age 69 of a heart attack on December 21, 1992, in his Memphis home just two days after his final concert, in Los Angeles. He was given a funeral procession with the Memphis Horns playing “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
King’s influence extended far beyond his own recordings, shaping the sound of generations of musicians, from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Jimi Hendrix and John Mayer and collaborating with several of them, including The Doors. His innovative use of bending notes and string bends revolutionized the guitar-playing technique and inspired countless aspiring guitarists around the world. Albert King’s legacy as one of the greatest blues artists of all time lives on through his timeless recordings and enduring influence. His music continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the power of the blues to transcend boundaries, unite people, and touch the soul. Though he may be gone, his spirit lives on through the timeless sounds of his guitar, forever immortalizing him as a true king of the blues.
Watch Albert King performing “Born Under A Bad Sign” followed by an interview, 1980
Listen to the a selection of the best of Albert King on Spotify
Watch more music related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
