Albert King (April 25, 1923 – December 21, 1992) was an American blues guitarist and singer whose playing influenced many other blues guitarists. He is best known for his 1967 hit "Born Under a Bad Sign".
King was born in Indianola, Mississippi, and began learning the guitar at the age of six. He began performing in the late 1940s, and rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. He recorded for several labels, including Stax Records, and had many successful singles, including "Crosscut Saw" and "As the Years Go Passing By".
In his later years, King toured extensively and continued to record. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983, and was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. He died in 1992, at the age of 69.
Musical Career
King's career began in the late 1940s, when he began performing in local clubs in the Mississippi Delta. He released his first single, "Be on Your Merry Way", in 1951. In the early 1960s, he signed with Stax Records and released several successful singles, including "Crosscut Saw" and "As the Years Go Passing By".
King released his most successful single, "Born Under a Bad Sign", in 1967. The song became a hit in the US, and was later covered by Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and others.
King continued to tour and record in his later years, releasing albums such as I'll Play the Blues for You in 1972 and I Wanna Get Funky in 1975. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983, and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990.
Influences
King was heavily influenced by other blues guitarists, including T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters. He was also influenced by jazz guitarists, such as Wes Montgomery and George Benson.
Musical Style
King's style was characterized by a hard-edged, bluesy sound, and he was known for his use of string bends and vibrato. He was also known for his "hammer-on" technique, which involved playing a note by hammering down on the fretboard with his left hand. King was also known for his use of the "wah-wah" pedal, which he used to create a wailing, distorted sound.
To connect to musicians and people here you need to be a member. If you have already an account, just login! Otherwise register and become a member today, it's free!
Register new account