Remembering Smokin’ Joe Kubek: A Blues Legacy That Burned Bright
On October 11th, 2015, the blues world lost one of its most dedicated and hard-working musicians—Smokin’ Joe Kubek. For over three decades, Kubek and his longtime musical partner, guitarist and vocalist B’nois King, released album after album, blending blues and rock with a touch of jazz. Their sound became one of the most recognizable and enduring acts on the blues circuit, captivating audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances and constant touring.
Kubek and King’s journey began in 1991 with the release of their debut album, Steppin’ Out Texas Style, and from there, they never slowed down. They released a total of eighteen full-length albums, cementing their reputation as prolific artists who continuously evolved their sound. Over the years, they recorded with several labels, including Blind Pig, Alligator, and Delta Groove Music, always staying true to their blues-rock roots while exploring new directions.
In 2012, the duo took a bold step in their career by releasing their first—and ultimately last—acoustic album, Close to the Bone. This stripped-down record showcased the deep connection between Kubek and King, revealing a side of their music that fans had never heard before. The album was followed by Road Dog’s Life, a return to a more traditional blues sound, but Close to the Bone remained a defining moment, demonstrating their versatility as artists.
A Unique Musical Partnership
Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’nois King’s partnership was one of the most unlikely yet fruitful collaborations in blues history. Kubek’s blues-rock guitar style paired with King’s jazz-influenced chops and smooth vocals created a sound that was both powerful and soulful. Their musical bond was so strong that it became difficult to separate their legacies.
Their first meeting was serendipitous. In an interview from July 2012, Kubek recalled how he invited King to sit in on a gig at Poor David’s Pub in Dallas. The chemistry was immediate, and what started as a one-night collaboration turned into a partnership that lasted 23 years, producing fifteen albums and countless miles on the road. Kubek fondly remembered their early days, performing in honky-tonks for small fees and flipping coins to decide who got the mattress and who slept on the box springs.
Despite the challenges of life on the road, Kubek and King thrived, developing a sound that was both authentic and innovative. As Kubek described it, “It’s not about how well you play guitar—it’s about how well you play blues guitar.”
From Electric to Acoustic: A Bold New Direction
In 2012, Kubek and King surprised fans with Close to the Bone, an all-acoustic album that marked a radical departure from their signature electric blues-rock sound. The idea for the album had been brewing for years, stemming from a successful acoustic set they performed at a Freddy King Memorial benefit. Despite feeling “naked” on stage without their electric guitars and amps, the audience response was overwhelmingly positive.
Close to the Bone was a testament to the duo’s ability to adapt and push their creative boundaries. As Kubek recalled, “Every time we did an acoustic gig, we got a great response. We still can’t figure out why, but people love it.” The album featured deeply personal lyrics, with songs like My Best Friend, which Kubek explained was about both his and King’s mothers. The song, though not a traditional blues tune, resonated with listeners and demonstrated the emotional depth of their music.
Kubek and King chose to keep their acoustic material separate from their electric performances, maintaining the uniqueness of the acoustic songs. As Kubek explained, “We either make the gig an acoustic night or an electric night… we’re only going to play these songs acoustically.”
A Life Devoted to the Blues
Smokin’ Joe Kubek’s journey through the blues world was marked by dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for the music. Born in Texas, Kubek was inspired to play guitar after seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing with blues legends like Freddy King. His brief time with King, including King’s final performance on Christmas night in 1976, left a lasting impression on Kubek, shaping his approach to music for the rest of his life.
Kubek’s career was not without its challenges, particularly in navigating the changing landscape of the music industry. He and King moved through several record labels over the years, eventually landing at Delta Groove Music, where they found a supportive environment for their creative endeavors. Kubek praised the label for allowing them to pursue their acoustic project, a testament to the trust and creative freedom Delta Groove afforded them.
The Road Ahead
Before his untimely passing, Kubek expressed his desire to continue touring and recording with King, both as an acoustic duo and with a full electric band. The duo’s love for the west coast and their hope to return to California to record an electric album was a reflection of their tireless commitment to their craft.
Smokin’ Joe Kubek’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the blues. His contributions to the genre, both as a musician and as a mentor, continue to inspire new generations of blues players. His partnership with B’nois King remains one of the most celebrated collaborations in the blues, a testament to the power of friendship, perseverance, and musical synergy.
As we remember Smokin’ Joe Kubek, we celebrate a life lived through the blues—a life that, like his guitar playing, was always on fire.
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