Albert “Iceman” Collins (1932-1993) – an American blues singer and guitarist. Texan played guitar from an early age. Growing up in a musical environment Collins had a lot of inspiration, like his cousin – known guitarist. At age 20, formed a band the Rhythm Rockers. Collins, next to B.B. King and Albert King is one of the pantheon of blues guitarists, having a significant impact on today’s guitarists, not just blues one.
Albert began his career in the late 1960s, recorded over 20 albums. Mentioned as the inspiration of many musicians of later generations, including Jimi Hendriks and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Collins was born in Texas in 1932, he was the cousin of the famous guitarist Lightnin ‘Hopkins. He played the guitar from his early youth, he moved to Houston when he was 7 years old. The first group – the Rhythm Rockers – was founded in 1952. Six years later, he recorded “The Freeze”, his debut single for Kangaroo Records. Collins’s later pieces, often instrumental, also referred to winter themes, such as “Icy Blue”, “Do not Loose Your Cool” or “Defrost”.
The biggest hit of Collins turned out to be the instrumental song “Frosty” released in 1962, which sold millions of copies. In 1968, after a joint concert with Canned Heat in California, Bob Hite introduced him to Imperial Records, who agreed to release Collins’ solo album.
In 1978, he joined Alligator Records, where he recorded 7 albums, including one with the participation of two other famous blues guitarists: Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland.
Video
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The amazing B.B. King—along with some overambitious sock puppets—stars in this musical short film directed and designed by Sandra Boynton, and edited and mixed by Boynton with Michael Ford. The track was originally written and produced by Boynton and Ford for the celebrated album/songbook BLUE MOO: 17 Jukebox Hits from Way Back Never.
This short film was shot on 35mm film at Dreamvision Studios in Las Vegas on July 18, 2008. It was released as a book/DVD by Workman Publishing in September of 2009.
“This is my first film-directing experience, and I also got to take on the glorious complications of production design. Working with B.B. King is just fabulous. What a miracle he is.”
B.B. King
One of the most important guitarists and vocalists of the genre, not without reason, being nicknamed “King of the Blues.” He was actually named Rile B. King and was born on September 16, 1925, in Indianola, USA.
Stage performances began in 1946 in Memphis. During the first years of his career, he worked, among others. as a singer at a local radio station playing rhythm & blues and as a DJ. At the same time, he acquired his artistic nickname “B.B.” which is a shortened version of “Beale Street Blues Boy”.
The beginnings of the career were not the easiest – the best times for the artist only came in the 1950s. Then B.B. King has become one of the most important rhythm & blues performers with a series of big hits including “Woke Up This Morning,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” “Bad Luck,” “You Upset Me Baby,” and “Sweet Little Angel. “.
In 1964 a live album “Live At Regal” was released, recorded during the Chicago show. It is considered one of the most outstanding albums in blues history.
The success far beyond the blue screen has brought Roy Hawkins’ cover art for The Thrill and Gone. The song hit the charts and became one of the most important B.B. King. The 1970s brought more successes to the music and hits like “I Like to Live the Love”.
In 1980 B.B. King was introduced to the Blues Hall of Fame, and in 1987 to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011 he was ranked No. 6 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
Engage your senses: Press play on the video, then stimulate your brain with the article.
The King of Blues: Exploring the Musical Career and Guitar Style of Freddie King
Freddie King, nicknamed “The Texas Cannonball,” is an indelible icon of the blues genre whose influence has permeated through countless music strata. From his dexterous and evocative guitar style to his impassioned and soulful vocals, King has created a rich legacy that continues to shape modern blues and rock.
Born on September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, Texas, King began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by his mother Ella May King and her love for the blues. From an early age, King exhibited a prodigious talent for guitar. He started with a homemade instrument, but by the time he was a teenager, King was playing semi-professionally, blending Texas and Chicago styles to create a distinctive blues signature.
King’s breakthrough came in 1961 when he signed with the Federal Records label, a subsidiary of King Records. His first single, “Have You Ever Loved A Woman,” became an immediate hit, securing his position in the blues scene. But it was his instrumental track “Hide Away,” with its catchy, rollicking riffs, that shot him into international stardom, creating a definitive blueprint for blues-rock instrumentals and inspiring generations of guitarists.
His playing style was a melange of raw energy, melodic inventiveness, and impeccable technique. King was known for his unique ‘finger and plastic thumb pick’ technique, a distinctive playing style that straddled both rhythm and lead roles, which he used to create a seamless melodic line punctuated by powerful rhythmic accents.
King’s guitar work was characterized by aggressive string bending, wild vibrato, and stinging, sharp tones that often walked a thin line between pain and joy. His deep bends and razor-sharp vibrato influenced guitar legends like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, who both cited King as a major inspiration.
His Gibson ES-345 was as integral to his sound as his hands were, producing a thick, creamy tone that laid the foundation for his fiery solos. Through the use of dynamic volume and tone control, King could range from whisper-soft delicacy to a torrential downpour of raw, emotive blues power in a single phrase.
Lyrically, King was a master storyteller, and his deeply emotional and personal lyrics added another layer to his performances. Songs like “I’m Tore Down” and “Palace of the King” tell stories of love, loss, and resilience with a degree of honesty that is both profound and deeply touching.
Freddie King passed away prematurely at the age of 42 in 1976, leaving behind a legacy that is immeasurable. His pioneering work in the blues genre, coupled with his masterful guitar work, has continued to inspire countless musicians worldwide. From his soulful vocals to his legendary guitar style, King was a true bluesman who lived and breathed the music he loved so passionately.
In conclusion, Freddie King was a titan of the blues, a guitarist’s guitarist, a singer’s singer, and a songwriter’s songwriter. His contributions to the world of blues and beyond are imprinted in the music of countless artists and his spirit lives on in every note played by those he inspired. King’s innovative guitar style and heartfelt lyrics are a testament to the universal and timeless appeal of the blues. He will forever be remembered as the “King of the Blues.”
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One of the most impressive guitarists to emerge from the rich Bayous of Southern Louisiana in recent years, Tab Benoit’s guitar tone can be recognized before his Otis-Redding-ish voice resonates from the speakers. He doesn’t rely on any effects and his setup is simple. It consists of a guitar, cord, and Category 5 Amplifier. The effects that you hear come from his fingers.
Born on November 17, 1967, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Benoit grew up in the nearby oil and fishing town of Houma, where he still resides today. Musically, he was exposed early on to traditional Cajun waltzes and the country music broadcast on his hometown’s only radio station. Benoit’s father was himself a musician; as such, the family home was filled with various instruments. He began playing drums but switched to guitar because the only gigs to be had in rural Louisiana were held in churches and at church fairs, and organizers would not allow loud drums to be played at these events.
In the late 80’s Tab Benoit began hanging out at the Blues Box, a music club and cultural center in Baton Rouge run by guitarist Tabby Thomas. Playing guitar alongside Thomas, Raful Neal, Henry Gray and other high-profile regulars at the club, Benoit learned the blues first-hand from these living blues legends. He formed a trio in 1987 and began playing clubs in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
In 1992 Benoit released his first recording Nice and Warm on the Justice Label. The title track became a AAA Radio hit and Benoit’s touring career kicked into high gear. Nice and Warm prompted comparisons to blues guitar heavyweights like Albert King, Albert Collins and even Jimi Hendrix. Tab began playing two-hundred and fifty shows a year, a schedule he has kept up for over twenty years. He recorded four albums for Justice Records before being signed to the Vanguard label, and became Louisiana’s Number One Blues export. Vanguard allowed Tab to produce his own recordings; Tab wanted to record the sound that he was trying to create and in 1999 Vanguard Records released These Blues Are All Mine…
B.B. King Live In Africa ’74 is a rare – extremely rare – intimate view of B.B. King in concert. At age 49, having “crossed over” to wide popularity with his show at the Fillmore West in 1968 and secured his fame with the 1970 hit “The Thrill Is Gone,” B.B. stands onstage before Muhammad Ali and a crowd of 80,000 on the continent his ancestors left in chains and gives one of the most thrilling performances of his life.
“The King of the Blues” (B.B.), “Soul Brother #1” (James Brown) and other African-American artists on the bill reveled in the return to their cultural motherland for a gala affair that was attended by fans and journalists from all over the world.
The backstory around this performance is rich. Behind B.B. is a large orchestra, made up of core members ofB.B.’s touring band – pianist Ron Levy, drummer Sonny Freeman and saxophonist Bobby Forte – plus studio musicians recruited (mostly) from New York, including renowned session guitarist Larry Carlton. Directed by Hampton Reese, B.B.’s longtime friend and musical tutor (you’ll see him in his plaid sport coat conducting the band), this collection of musicians achieved their amazing performance after a single rehearsal in Kinshasa. Hampton wrote the charts for all the songs in the set, and every musician was playing from those charts.
Of the musicians who played that concert from B.B.’s 1974 touring band, only Ron Levy is still living. Here are some of his recollections of the unforgettable trip to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and their historic performance there: To perform in Africa – the land of his ancestors, at this stadium event before 80,000 – plus crazed, hot, sweaty, dancing and bouncing heads and soulfully pained hearts — must have had a very special personal significance for B.B., as it did for us all. We all realized this was not just another gig. It was history, good history. We were all very proud to be a part of it. As far as the set went, we performed 8.B.’s most famous hits. I have to say, this was probably the first lime this crowd ever heard – or heard of – B.B. King. but as usual, he left them wanting more, as well as an indelible memory of his sincere personal passion and deep-felt blues.
He definitely connected with them like the beloved king he is. If you’re a B.B. King fan, you are in for a rare treat with B.B, King Live in Africa ’74. If this is your introduction to the King of the Blues, you’ll understand why he has so loved the world over.
-Charles Sawyer
Charles Sawyer is the author of the first biography of B.B. King. The Arrival Of B.B. King (Doubleday 1980, Da Capo 1982), He teaches “History Of Blues In America” at Harvard Extension School, and leads his own blues band, 2120 South Michigan Avenue.
One of the most important guitarists and vocalists of the genre. Not without reason, people call him “King of the Blues.” His real name was Rile B. King and was born on September 16, 1925, in Indianola, USA.
Stage performances began in 1946 in Memphis. During the first years of his career, he worked, among others. as a singer at a local radio station playing rhythm & blues and as a DJ. At the same time, he acquired his artistic nickname “B.B.” which is a shortened version of “Beale Street Blues Boy”.
The beginnings of the career were not the easiest – the best times for the artist only came in the 1950s. Then guitarists has become one of the most important rhythm & blues performers with a series of big hits including “Woke Up This Morning,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” “Bad Luck,” “You Upset Me Baby,” and “Sweet Little Angel. “.
In 1964 a live album Live At Regal was released, recorded during the Chicago show. It is considered one of the most outstanding albums in blues history.
The success far beyond the blue screen has brought Roy Hawkins’ cover art for The Thrill and Gone. The song hit the charts and became one of the most important. The 1970s brought more successes to the music and hits like “I Like to Live the Love”.
In 1980 B.B. King was introduced to the Blues Hall of Fame, and in 1987 to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011 he was ranked No. 6 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
On May 14, 2015, at the age of 89, he died in his sleep from vascular dementia caused by a series of small strokes as a consequence of his type 2 diabetes.
Blues Boys Tune
This song is by B.B. King and appears on the album Blues On The Bayou (1998). B.B. King does quite the solo on this number
Lucille
Lucille is the name that B.B. King gave to his guitars. They were usually black Gibson guitars similar to the ES-335-355, and Gibson introduced a B.B. King custom model in 1980.
We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.
An outstanding composer, guitarist, and singer of blues and rock. He is known mainly for his unique, highly emotional style of playing the guitar. The perfect technical mastery of the instrument.
Gary Moore was born April 4, 1952, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He began his career in the second half of the 60s. Inspired by the works of contemporary blues-rock guitarists Jimi Hendrix and John Mayall. He spread his wings as a guitarist of the Irish group Skid Row. That’s when he was spotted by his idol, Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, who helped the group to sign a contract with a major label and gave Gary one of his favorite guitars 1959 Gibson Les Paul. After years Moore played this guitar on the entire album with compositions of his idol, “Blues for Greeny.”
Gary Moore – Solo career
The 70s are for Moore’s a very busy time. Solo career began by issuing in 1973 the album “Grinding Stone”. He also participated in many side projects. He played mainly in Thin Lizzy and progress rock project Colosseum II. At the end of the decade, and by the entire 80s seriously took up a solo career releasing during this period 7 albums and leaving behind such classics as “Parisienne Walkway’s”, “After The War” and “Over the Hills and Far Away”. In the 80s his style departed somewhat from blues to hard rock and soft metal, but in 1990, he reminded himself as a blues guitarist releasing his most famous album “Still Got The Blues“. This release, featured Albert Collins, Albert King, George Harrison.
Blues accompanied guitarist on subsequent albums “After Hours” and “Blues for Greeny.” At the turn of the century Gary Moore experimented with new sounds, however, they issued these style albums that were not too well received by fans and critics here in 2001 again returned to the blues album “Back to the Blues.” His beloved music remained faithful until the end of his career.
Albert King
(April 25, 1923 – December 21, 1992), known professionally as Albert King. He was an American blues guitarist and singer, and a major influence in the world of blues guitar playing. As one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” (along with B.B. King and Freddie King), he is perhaps best known for the 1967 single “Born Under a Bad Sign”.
In May 2013, King was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Albert was a big man and the Flying V guitar was his weapon of choice. It was like a toy in his huge hands. He eschewed picks, preferring to pluck the strings with his fingers.
His bluesy bends and stinging notes influenced a later generation of players including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix, among others.
Albert King – King of the blues guitar
Albert King is the undisputed “king of the blues guitar” and one of the “three kings of the blues” along with B.B. King and Freddie King. He started his legend with a debut album recorded for Stax Records. The greatest influence on King was pre-war bluesman Lonnie Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson, as well as post-war artists such as T-Bone Walker and Howlin ‘Wolf. He himself became a role model for another master – Jimi Hendrix.
One of the guitar greats Rory Gallagher playing a good version of Going To My Hometown with his mandoline.
Rory Gallagher
Rory Gallagher (1948-1995) was an Irish guitar virtuoso playing blues and rock, songwriter, and concertmaster.
He sold 30 million albums but gained the greatest recognition thanks to his live performances. Gallagher is considered one of the most energetic and charismatic guitarists of his generation, for the precursor of hard rock, and even grunge (worn-out pants, flannel shirt, and worn-out guitar – these are elements of his stage image). He was an outsider and his works often talk about alienation, life on the road, and seeking freedom.
In 1972, Rory embarked on a tour of Europe promoting the album “Deuce”. He was also accompanied by a white Telecaster in 1966 because it was perfect for “Bullfrog Blues” tracks. The musician, however, began to use guitars with stronger transducers, which were very good with the slide game, for example, Esquire from 1959 or Gretsch PX6134 Corvette with the P-90 converter. He was faithful to this latter for many years.
Solo career
Rory’s solo career began to gain momentum especially in 1973 when drummer Wilgar Campbell – tired of the tour promoting the album “Deuce” – left the music. In his place, Rory accepted Rod de’Atha. Behind the keys sat Lou Martin. This was a great move: thanks to the new element, which were the keys, Rory could afford more freedom and experiments on the guitar.
With the help of this strong lineup, Rory recorded two more studio albums. The composition continued throughout the “Irish Tour” until 1977. Rory’s equipment was also undergoing a transformation. The Vox AC30 did not match the new group sound. So the artist started using a few Fenders, but he resigned from Rangemaster using Hawk’s treble booster instead.
Irish Tour 1974
For many fans, the “Irish Tour” is the album that best captures Gallagher’s musical talent. As in a nutshell, he focuses all his most spectacular achievements in playing the guitar. This is a phenomenal concert and a phenomenal album. It included not only energetic performances of studio songs from 1973, such as “Tattoo’d Lady”, but also lively covers, for example, “As The Crow Flies” by Tony Joe White. Rory played it on the National Triolian Resophonic Guitar.
The route around Ireland has gone to the legend, as evidenced by the fact that Bare Knuckle Pickups has released a series of pickups called the Irish Tour.
