# Albert King

> American blues musician (1923–1992)

**Wikidata**: [Q44809](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44809)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_King)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/albert-king

## Summary
Albert King was an American blues musician renowned for his influential guitar playing and soulful vocals. Born in 1923, he was a key figure in the development of the blues genre, known for hits like "Born Under a Bad Sign" and his work with Stax Records. His unique style, which blended blues with elements of soul and rock, left a lasting impact on music.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 25, 1923
- **Nationality**: American
- **Known for**: Pioneering blues musician, guitarist, and singer-songwriter
- **Employer(s)**: Stax Records, Atlantic Records
- **Field(s)**: Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Music

## Contributions
- **Music Career**: King's distinctive guitar playing, characterized by his use of the Gibson Flying V guitar and left-handed stringing, influenced generations of musicians. His 1967 album *Born Under a Bad Sign* is a landmark in blues history.
- **Collaborations**: Worked with Stax Records in the 1960s, contributing to the label's success and the Memphis soul sound. Recorded for Atlantic Records and other labels, producing enduring blues classics.
- **Live Performances**: Known for energetic live shows, including appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborations with artists like B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

## FAQs
**What instruments did Albert King play?**  
Albert King was primarily a guitarist, famous for playing a Gibson Flying V upside down and left-handed, which gave him a unique sound. He also sang and was a songwriter.

**Which record labels was Albert King associated with?**  
King worked with several labels, most notably Stax Records during the 1960s, as well as Atlantic Records and Federal Records. These collaborations helped define his career and the blues genre.

**What are Albert King's most famous songs?**  
His hits include "Born Under a Bad Sign," "Crosscut Saw," and "I'll Play the Blues for You." These tracks exemplify his blend of blues, soul, and rock influences.

**Did Albert King influence other musicians?**  
Yes, he had a significant impact on later artists such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, who admired his guitar technique and stage presence.

## Why They Matter
Albert King's innovative guitar style and powerful vocals bridged traditional blues with modern rock and soul, making him a pivotal figure in 20th-century music. His influence extended beyond the blues genre, shaping rock music and inspiring countless musicians. Without King, the development of blues-rock and the popularity of electric blues might have followed a different trajectory. His legacy is evident in the work of later artists who adopted his techniques and covered his songs.

## Notable For
- **Innovative Guitarist**: Known for his left-handed playing of a right-handed guitar and distinctive string bending.
- **Stax Records Era**: Contributed to the label's success in the 1960s with albums like *Born Under a Bad Sign*.
- **Blues-Rock Influence**: His music influenced the evolution of blues-rock, impacting artists such as Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin.
- **Live Performances**: Energetic stage presence and iconic performances at festivals like Montreux.
- **Rock and Roll Hall of Fame**: Inducted in 2013, recognizing his profound influence on rock music.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Albert King was born on April 25, 1923, in Indianola, Mississippi. He began his music career in the 1940s, initially performing in bands and developing his unique guitar style. By the 1950s, he was recording for labels like Federal Records, laying the groundwork for his later success.

### Rise to Prominence
King's breakthrough came in the 1960s with Stax Records, where he released the seminal album *Born Under a Bad Sign* in 1967. This period cemented his status as a leading blues artist, with his music incorporating soul and R&B elements that resonated with a broader audience.

### Musical Style and Innovations
King's guitar playing was marked by his use of vibrato and string bending, achieved through his unorthodox method of playing a right-handed guitar upside down. This technique, combined with his soulful vocals, created a distinctive sound that influenced both blues and rock musicians.

### Collaborations and Legacy
Throughout his career, King collaborated with prominent artists and appeared at major festivals. His influence on later musicians is evident in covers of his songs and tributes to his style. King's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 underscored his enduring impact on music history.

### Later Life and Death
Albert King continued performing and recording until his death on December 21, 1992. His legacy as a blues icon remains undiminished, with his music continuing to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Find a Grave
5. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. SNAC
9. Discogs
10. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. [Source](https://plus.si.cobiss.net/opac7/conor/37715555)
14. CONOR.SI
15. BBC Things
16. Genius API
17. The Movie Database