Tag: Albert King

Recorded Live: 9/23/1970 – Fillmore East – New York, NY

This song performed by Albert King appears on the album Born Under A Bad Sign (1967)

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.

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.

Albert quickly began to perform for a wider audience, he played, which was then difficult to comprehend, for white listeners, among others in the Fillmore Auditorium, thanks to which his fans became e.g. Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He became an inspiration. It can be safely said that he contributed to the creation of the so-called white blues in the UK.

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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.

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.

Albert quickly began to perform for a wider audience, he played, which was then difficult to comprehend, for white listeners, among others in the Fillmore Auditorium, thanks to which his fans became e.g. Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He became an inspiration. It can be safely said that he contributed to the creation of the so-called white blues in the UK.

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.

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.

Albert quickly began to perform for a wider audience, he played, which was then difficult to comprehend, for white listeners, among others in the Fillmore Auditorium, thanks to which his fans became e.g. Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He became an inspiration. It can be safely said that he contributed to the creation of the so-called white blues in the UK.

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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.

The Sky Is Crying

“The Sky Is Crying” is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and enduring blues songs of all time. Originally written and recorded by Elmore James in 1959, the song has been covered and interpreted by countless artists, including blues legend Albert King. In this section, we will explore the composition and recording of the song, as well as its legacy and impact on the blues genre.

“The Sky Is Crying” is a slow-tempo twelve-bar blues song in 12/8 time, written in the key of C. The lyrics were inspired by a Chicago rainstorm during the recording session, and James sings about waiting in tears for his lost love. The song features James’ distinctive slide guitar playing, which is accompanied by his longtime backing band, the Broomdusters. The lineup includes J.T. Brown on saxophone, Johnny Jones on piano, Odie Payne on drums, and Homesick James on bass. The recording has generated some debate about James’ slide guitar sound, with some attributing it to a recording studio technique, while others suggest it was a different amplifier or guitar setup.

“The Sky Is Crying” was released as a single in 1960 and reached number 15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides chart, becoming James’ last charting hit before his death in 1963. James recorded a variation of the song, “The Sun Is Shining,” in April 1960, five months after recording “The Sky Is Crying.” In 1991, the original recording was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in the “Classics of Blues Recordings” category.

Albert King Renditions

Albert King recorded “The Sky Is Crying” for his album Years Gone By in 1969, using a fretted approach on guitar instead of James’ signature slide. Stevie Ray Vaughan also recorded several versions of the song with his backing band, Double Trouble, during the 1980s. Vaughan’s versions were not released until posthumous compilations in the 1990s, but they became fan favorites and helped to introduce the song to a new generation of blues fans. Vaughan’s interpretation of the song pays homage to both Elmore James and Albert King, demonstrating the song’s lasting influence on the blues genre.

Albert King

Albert King Nelson (April 25, 1923 – December 21, 1992). 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 that 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.

The song “Blues Power” is from the album Live Wire/Blues Power by recorded live in June 1968 at the Fillmore Auditorium. This was his first live album. Leftovers from these live recordings were released later in 1990 in the albums Wednesday Night in San Francisco and Thursday Night in San Francisco.

Upside-down Flying V

Albert King was a left-handed guitarist, but he played a right-handed Gibson Flying V guitar flipped upside down without restringing it. This unconventional approach resulted in the low E string being on the bottom and the high E string on the top, which significantly impacted his playing style. The inverted string arrangement allowed King to execute his signature string bends, where he would pull the strings down rather than push them up, creating a distinct and expressive sound.

One of King’s most recognizable techniques was his use of wide, slow, and fluid bends, which produced an emotive and vocal-like quality in his playing. He often combined these bends with a stinging vibrato and sharp, staccato-like picking to create a powerful, biting tone. In addition to his single-note lead work, King frequently employed double-stop techniques and would occasionally incorporate a fingerpicking style, further diversifying his playing.

Throughout his career, King primarily used Gibson Flying V guitars, which he affectionately named “Lucy” after his grandmother. He initially played a 1958 Gibson Flying V, but later switched to a custom-made left-handed version. The guitar was equipped with a humbucking pickup in the neck position and a single-coil pickup in the bridge position, allowing him to achieve a wide range of tones.

To further shape his tone, Albert King relied heavily on his choice of amplifiers. Early in his career, he played through Fender Bassman and Super Reverb amplifiers. However, he eventually settled on using the solid-state Acoustic Control Corporation’s 270 and 301 models, which provided him with a distinctive, clean, and powerful sound. King often utilized the amplifier’s built-in reverb and treble boost to add depth and bite to his tone.

I’ll Play The Blues For You is the first track on the seventh studio album by Albert King “Albert King” released in 1972.

Albert King

Albert King Nelson (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 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.

Albert quickly began to perform for a wider audience, he played, which was then difficult to comprehend, for white listeners, among others in the Fillmore Auditorium, thanks to which his fans became e.g. Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He became an inspiration. It can be safely said that he contributed to the creation of the so-called white blues in the UK.

Albert King

Albert King, one of the greatest and most influential blues guitarists of all time, left an indelible mark on the blues genre with his unique sound and powerful performances. Born on April 25, 1923, in Indianola, Mississippi, King began his music career as a drummer before switching to guitar in the 1940s. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled musician, and by the 1950s, he was performing and recording with some of the biggest names in blues.

King’s music career spanned several decades, and he was known for his deep, dramatic sound that was widely imitated by both blues and rock guitarists. He rose to fame in the 1960s with his hit album Born Under a Bad Sign (1967), which included the popular title track. King was known for his signature playing style, which involved playing upside-down and left-handed on a right-handed guitar. This unique approach gave him a distinctive sound that set him apart from other guitarists of his time.

King’s legacy extends far beyond his music, as he was an important figure in the civil rights movement. He was known for his outspoken views on racial injustice and segregation and used his platform to speak out against these issues. He also performed at numerous benefit concerts and rallies in support of civil rights causes.

Despite his success and influence, King remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform and record music until his death in 1992, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. In 1983, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and in 2013, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine also recognized his contributions, ranking him at number 13 on their list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2011.

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp8lnB_Wxgk

Thank you!

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.

Engage your senses: Press play on the video, then stimulate your brain with the article.

Albert King

Albert King Nelson (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 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.

Albert quickly began to perform for a wider audience, he played, which was then difficult to comprehend, for white listeners, among others in the Fillmore Auditorium, thanks to which his fans became e.g. Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He became an inspiration. It can be safely said that he contributed to the creation of the so-called white blues in the UK.

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.

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.

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.

Albert quickly began to perform for a wider audience, he played, which was then difficult to comprehend, for white listeners, among others in the Fillmore Auditorium, thanks to which his fans became e.g. Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He became an inspiration. It can be safely said that he contributed to the creation of the so-called white blues in the UK.

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.

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.

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.

Albert quickly began to perform for a wider audience, he played, which was then difficult to comprehend, for white listeners, among others in the Fillmore Auditorium, thanks to which his fans became e.g. Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He became an inspiration. It can be safely said that he contributed to the creation of the so-called white blues in the UK.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.