Tag: Freddie King

The Bluesy Reverberation of Freddie King: A Deeper Dive into his Musical Career and Unique Guitar Style

Music speaks the language of emotions – transcending boundaries and piercing the soul. Throughout history, a plethora of gifted musicians have risen to prominence, leaving their mark on the auditory canvas of time. Among them, a name that echoes with a profound resonance in the realm of blues and rock is Freddie King.

Born on September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, Texas, Freddie King, also known as ‘The Texas Cannonball,’ was a legendary blues guitarist and singer who took the music world by storm with his raw talent and unique playing style.

The Making of a Music Maestro

Freddie King’s musical journey started with a keen interest in guitar at a tender age, which he inherited from his mother and uncle. His family’s move to Chicago in the early 1950s was a game-changer for the young prodigy. He was soon captivated by the city’s vibrant blues scene, a significant influence on his future musical style.

King honed his craft playing in local clubs, drawing inspiration from the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and T-Bone Walker. His big breakthrough came in 1960 with the release of the instrumental track “Hide Away,” named after Mel’s Hide Away Lounge, a popular club where he frequently performed.

A Unique Guitar Style of Freddie King

Freddie King’s guitar style was as unique as the man himself – powerful, emotive, and intensely expressive. He was known for his distinctive ‘finger-picking’ style, where he used a plastic thumb pick and a metal index finger pick, a technique rarely seen among other blues guitarists of his time. This technique helped him achieve a crisp, biting tone, creating his signature sound that left an indelible impact on blues and rock music.

Another key aspect of King’s playing was his compelling use of string bending and vibrato. His improvisations often incorporated dynamic melodic runs, replete with bends and fast picking. His combination of Texas and Chicago blues styles created a raw, fiery sound that defined a generation of blues and influenced future guitarists.

A Legacy That Lives On

Freddie King had a profound influence on many iconic musicians who followed. His songs have been covered by artists such as Eric Clapton, who cited King as a significant influence, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, who idolized King and often paid tribute to him in his performances. King’s songs like “Hide Away,” “Have You Ever Loved A Woman,” and “Going Down” have become blues standards, covered and reinterpreted by countless artists.

Despite his untimely death in 1976, King’s musical legacy has remained very much alive. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, acknowledging his significant contributions to the world of blues and rock.

To wrap it up, Freddie King’s musical career is a testament to his extraordinary talent and innovation. His unique guitar style and profound influence on the music world have ensured that the Texas Cannonball’s reverberations continue to echo through the corridors of blues and rock, inspiring countless musicians and music lovers alike.

As we delve into his discography, we realize that Freddie King didn’t just play the guitar – he spoke through it, telling tales of life, love, and longing, painting vivid pictures with his soul-stirring melodies. A true legend, Freddie King’s music continues to inspire, influence, and ignite the passion for blues in hearts worldwide.

Freddie King

Freddie King (born September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, died December 28, 1976, in Dallas) is an American blues musician.

Like many other bluesmen of his time, he began his career in Chicago. He played in the groups of Little Sonny Cooper and Hound Dog Taylor. Probably under the influence of Taylor, he developed his specific style of playing blues on an electric guitar.

King’s best-known songs are recorded in the early 1960s. “Hide Away” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?”. As well as the Burglar album released in 1974. “Hide Away”. This title derives from the name of the popular Chicago bar. The song was repeatedly recorded and performed, including by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey.

The guitarist died of a heart attack in 1976 during a concert tour, which he played with Clapton, only three days after his last concert.

Playing style and technique

King was characterized by a specific style of playing the guitar, using a plastic thumb pick and a metal index fingerpick. He learned this technique from Jimmy Rogers.

King has had a great impact on the work of blues-rock musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Peter Green and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In 1993, the then Governor of Texas announced September 3 as the day of Freddie King. Only such legends as Bob Wills and Buddy Holly experienced such an honor.

In 2003, Freddie King was placed by Rolling Stone magazine in the 25th place in the list of top 100 guitarists of all time throughout his career, King favored Fender amps and used a number of different models, including the Fender Super Reverb and the Fender Dual Showman. Arguably though, the amp with which King is best associated is the Fender Quad Reverb, which he used for much of his career.

Freddie King

Freddie King (born September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, died December 28, 1976, in Dallas) is an American blues musician.

Like many other bluesmen of his time, he began his career in Chicago. He played in the groups of Little Sonny Cooper and Hound Dog Taylor. Probably under the influence of Taylor, he developed his specific style of playing blues on an electric guitar.

King’s best-known songs are recorded in the early 1960s. “Hide Away” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?”. As well as the Burglar album released in 1974. “Hide Away”. This title derives from the name of the popular Chicago bar. The song was repeatedly recorded and performed, including by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey.

The guitarist died of a heart attack in 1976 during a concert tour, which he played with Clapton, only three days after his last concert.

Playing style and technique

King was characterized by a specific style of playing the guitar, using a plastic thumb pick and a metal index fingerpick. He learned this technique from Jimmy Rogers.

King has had a great impact on the work of blues-rock musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Peter Green and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In 1993, the then Governor of Texas announced September 3 as the day of Freddie King. Only such legends as Bob Wills and Buddy Holly experienced such an honor.

In 2003, Freddie King was placed by Rolling Stone magazine in the 25th place in the list of top 100 guitarists of all time throughout his career, King favored Fender amps and used a number of different models, including the Fender Super Reverb and the Fender Dual Showman. Arguably though, the amp with which King is best associated is the Fender Quad Reverb, which he used for much of his career.

Freddie King

Freddie King (born September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, died December 28, 1976, in Dallas) is an American blues musician.

Like many other bluesmen of his time, he began his career in Chicago. He played in the groups of Little Sonny Cooper and Hound Dog Taylor. Probably under the influence of Taylor, he developed his specific style of playing blues on an electric guitar.

King’s best-known songs are recorded in the early 1960s. “Hide Away” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?”. As well as the Burglar album released in 1974. “Hide Away”. This title derives from the name of the popular Chicago bar. The song was repeatedly recorded and performed, including by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey.

The guitarist died of a heart attack in 1976 during a concert tour, which he played with Clapton, only three days after his last concert.

Playing style and technique

King was characterized by a specific style of playing the guitar, using a plastic thumb pick and a metal index fingerpick. He learned this technique from Jimmy Rogers.

King has had a great impact on the work of blues-rock musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Peter Green and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In 1993, the then Governor of Texas announced September 3 as the day of Freddie King. Only such legends as Bob Wills and Buddy Holly experienced such an honor.

In 2003, Freddie King was placed by Rolling Stone magazine in the 25th place in the list of top 100 guitarists of all time throughout his career, King favored Fender amps and used a number of different models, including the Fender Super Reverb and the Fender Dual Showman. Arguably though, the amp with which King is best associated is the Fender Quad Reverb, which he used for much of his career.

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.

Freddie King

Freddie King (born September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, died December 28, 1976, in Dallas) is an American blues musician.

Like many other bluesmen of his time, he began his career in Chicago. He playing in the groups of Little Sonny Cooper and Hound Dog Taylor. Probably under the influence of Taylor, he developed his specific style of playing blues on an electric guitar.

King’s best-known songs are recorded in the early 1960s. “Hide Away” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?”. As well as the Burglar album released in 1974. “Hide Away”. This title derives from the name of the popular Chicago bar. The song was repeatedly recorded and performed, including by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey.

The guitarist died of a heart attack in 1976 during a concert tour, which he played with Clapton, only three days after his last concert.

Playing style and technique

King was characterized by a specific style of playing the guitar, using a plastic thumb pick and a metal index finger pick. He learned this technique from Jimmy Rogers.

King has had a great impact on the work of blues-rock musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Peter Green and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In 1993, the then Governor of Texas announced September 3 as the day of Freddie King. Only such legends as Bob Wills and Buddy Holly experienced such an honor.

In 2003, Freddie King was placed by Rolling Stone magazine on the 25th place in the list of top 100 guitarists of all timeThroughout his career, King favoured Fender amps and used a number of different models, including the Fender Super Reverb and the Fender Dual Showman. Arguably though, the amp with which King is best associated is the Fender Quad Reverb, which he used for much of his career.

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

Freddie King

Freddie King (born September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, died December 28, 1976, in Dallas) is an American blues musician.

Like many other bluesmen of his time, he began his career in Chicago. He playing in the groups of Little Sonny Cooper and Hound Dog Taylor. Probably under the influence of Taylor, he developed his specific style of playing blues on an electric guitar.

King’s best-known songs are recorded in the early 1960s. “Hide Away” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?”. As well as the Burglar album released in 1974. “Hide Away”. This title derives from the name of the popular Chicago bar. The song was repeatedly recorded and performed, including by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey.

The guitarist died of a heart attack in 1976 during a concert tour, which he played with Clapton, only three days after his last concert.

Playing style and technique

King was characterized by a specific style of playing the guitar, using a plastic thumb pick and a metal index finger pick. He learned this technique from Jimmy Rogers.

King has had a great impact on the work of blues-rock musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Peter Green and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In 1993, the then Governor of Texas announced September 3 as the day of Freddie King. Only such legends as Bob Wills and Buddy Holly experienced such an honor.

In 2003, Freddie King was placed by Rolling Stone magazine on the 25th place in the list of top 100 guitarists of all timeThroughout his career, King favoured Fender amps and used a number of different models, including the Fender Super Reverb and the Fender Dual Showman. Arguably though, the amp with which King is best associated is the Fender Quad Reverb, which he used for much of his career.

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

Freddie King

Freddie King (born September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, died December 28, 1976, in Dallas) is an American blues musician.

Like many other bluesmen of his time, he began his career in Chicago. He playing in the groups of Little Sonny Cooper and Hound Dog Taylor. Probably under the influence of Taylor, he developed his specific style of playing blues on an electric guitar.

King’s best-known songs are recorded in the early 1960s. “Hide Away” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?”. As well as the Burglar album released in 1974. “Hide Away”. This title derives from the name of the popular Chicago bar. The song was repeatedly recorded and performed, including by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey.

The guitarist died of a heart attack in 1976 during a concert tour, which he played with Clapton, only three days after his last concert.

Playing style and technique

King was characterized by a specific style of playing the guitar, using a plastic thumb pick and a metal index finger pick. He learned this technique from Jimmy Rogers.

King has had a great impact on the work of blues-rock musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Peter Green and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In 1993, the then Governor of Texas announced September 3 as the day of Freddie King. Only such legends as Bob Wills and Buddy Holly experienced such an honor.

In 2003, Freddie King was placed by Rolling Stone magazine on the 25th place in the list of top 100 guitarists of all timeThroughout his career, King favoured Fender amps and used a number of different models, including the Fender Super Reverb and the Fender Dual Showman. Arguably though, the amp with which King is best associated is the Fender Quad Reverb, which he used for much of his career.

Freddie King

Freddie King (born September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, died December 28, 1976, in Dallas) is an American blues musician.

Like many other bluesmen of his time, he began his career in Chicago. He plays in the groups of Little Sonny Cooper and Hound Dog Taylor. Probably under the influence of Taylor, he developed his specific style of playing blues on an electric guitar.

King’s best-known songs are recorded in the early 1960s. “Hide Away” and “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?”. As well as the Burglar album released in 1974. “Hide Away”. This title derives from the name of the popular Chicago bar. The song was repeatedly recorded and performed, including by Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey.

The guitarist died of a heart attack in 1976 during a concert tour, which he played with Clapton, only three days after his last concert.

Playing style and technique

King was characterized by a specific style of playing the guitar, using a plastic thumb pick and a metal index-finger pick. He learned this technique from Jimmy Rogers. King’s guitar playing was rooted in the Texas blues tradition, with influences from blues greats like T-Bone Walker and B.B. King. He was a master of the electric guitar, and his style was characterized by his fluid and electrifying solos, bold and forceful strumming, and his use of intricate and soulful bends and vibrato. King’s playing was integral to the development of the Chicago blues sound and had a major influence on countless guitarists who followed in his footsteps. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time.

King has had a great impact on the work of blues-rock musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Earl, Peter Green and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In 1993, the then Governor of Texas announced September 3 as the day of Freddie King. Only such legends as Bob Wills and Buddy Holly experienced such an honor.

In 2003, Freddie King was placed by Rolling Stone magazine on the 25th place in the list of top 100 guitarists of all time

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.

Texas blues guitar great Freddie King plays “Big Legged Woman.”  From the DVD “Freddie King:Dallas, Texas, January 20th, 1973.”

More Info

On January 20, 1973, Freddie King and a tight quartet performed at a TV studio in Dallas, Texas. ‘It was humming in there,’ recalls director Jim Rowley. ‘Absolutely cooking. ‘ King was 38 and enjoying what he called ‘the Fillmore circuit’ in America as well as the adulation of throngs (including adoring rock stars) in Europe, especially England. This was the second time King had the brass ring firmly in hand, the first being during the early 1960s ‘dance party’ era and his success with Hide Away. It all ended too soon with King’s 1976 death but he left us a vibrant musical legacy which includes concert performances like this, a stunning example of a blues master coming to triumphant terms with 1970s African-American grooves and ‘playing funky. ‘
The band is incredibly tight and funky, Freddie’s playing top notch, singing voice is in fantastic form…just an incredible concert. Taped for a Dallas PBS Station in 73, Freddie and his band give it their all. The best King DVD.

Freddie King – Big Legged Woman

I love the tip, I love the top
I love you better than a hog loves slop

‘Cause you’re a big legged woman
With a short, short miniskirt
Promise me darlin’
You’ll never make me feel like dirt

Do you have the vine goes around the stump?
You are mine, call it sugar lump

‘Cause you’re a big legged woman
With a short, short miniskirt
Promise me darlin’
You’ll never make me feel like dirt

I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twice
We go together like fried beans and rice

Freddie was a force of nature. Check also his performance of this song at the Sugarbowl 1972:

PS.: They were three real kings of Blues B.B. King, Freddie King and Albert King, if you love them this t-shirt is for you

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