# Freddie King

> American blues guitarist and singer (1934–1976)

**Wikidata**: [Q436209](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q436209)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_King)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freddie-king

## Summary
Freddie King was an influential American blues guitarist and singer, active from 1952 until his death in 1976. Known for his powerful guitar playing and soulful vocals, he became a key figure in the development of blues and blues rock, bridging traditional blues with modern rock and funk styles. His work with record labels like Federal Records and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cemented his legacy as one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" alongside B.B. King and Albert King.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 3, 1934
- **Died**: December 28, 1976
- **Nationality**: American
- **Known for**: Pioneering blues guitar techniques and influencing blues rock and funk music
- **Field(s)**: Music (blues, blues rock, funk)
- **Record Labels**: Federal Records, King Records
- **Awards**: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1983)

## Contributions
Freddie King made significant contributions to blues and blues rock through his innovative guitar playing and songwriting. His recordings, such as *"Hide Away"* (1961), became iconic in the blues genre and influenced generations of musicians. He worked with Federal Records and King Records, producing albums that blended traditional blues with rock and funk elements. His live performances and studio work helped shape the sound of modern blues and rock music.

## FAQs
**What genre of music was Freddie King known for?**
Freddie King was primarily known for blues music, but he also incorporated elements of blues rock and funk into his work, creating a distinctive sound that influenced many later artists.

**Which record labels did Freddie King work with?**
Freddie King recorded with Federal Records and King Records, two prominent labels that helped distribute his music and expand his influence in the blues and rock genres.

**What is Freddie King's most famous song?**
One of Freddie King's most famous songs is *"Hide Away"*, released in 1961. This instrumental track became a blues standard and showcased his exceptional guitar skills.

**When was Freddie King inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?**
Freddie King was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1983, recognizing his significant impact on the development of blues and rock music.

**What was Freddie King's influence on other musicians?**
Freddie King's guitar playing and songwriting influenced many musicians, particularly in the blues rock and funk genres. His techniques and style were emulated by artists who followed in his footsteps.

## Why They Matter
Freddie King matters because he was a pivotal figure in the evolution of blues music, bridging the gap between traditional blues and modern rock and funk. His innovative guitar playing and soulful vocals inspired countless musicians and helped shape the sound of blues rock. Without his contributions, the development of these genres would have been significantly different, and his influence continues to be felt in contemporary music.

## Notable For
- Pioneering blues guitar techniques
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1983)
- Recording iconic blues tracks like *"Hide Away"*
- Influencing the development of blues rock and funk music
- Working with prominent record labels like Federal Records and King Records
- Being one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" alongside B.B. King and Albert King

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Freddie King was born on September 3, 1934, in the United States. He began his musical career in the early 1950s, quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional guitar skills and powerful vocals. His early work was rooted in traditional blues, but he soon began incorporating elements of rock and funk into his music, creating a unique sound that set him apart from his contemporaries.

### Musical Style and Influence
Freddie King's musical style was characterized by his innovative guitar playing, which blended traditional blues techniques with modern rock and funk elements. His use of vibrato, bending notes, and powerful riffs became hallmarks of his sound. This style not only defined his own music but also influenced a generation of musicians who followed in his footsteps.

### Record Labels and Recordings
Throughout his career, Freddie King recorded with several prominent record labels, including Federal Records and King Records. These labels helped distribute his music to a wider audience, allowing his influence to spread beyond the blues genre. His recordings, such as *"Hide Away"* (1961), became iconic and are still celebrated today for their technical prowess and emotional depth.

### Awards and Recognition
Freddie King's contributions to music were recognized with his posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1983. This honor underscored his significant impact on the development of blues and rock music, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential guitarists of his time.

### Legacy
Freddie King's legacy continues to be felt in the world of music. His innovative techniques and distinctive sound have inspired countless musicians, and his recordings remain essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of blues and rock. His influence extends beyond his own genre, shaping the sound of modern music in ways that are still evident today.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. SNAC
8. Find a Grave
9. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
12. CONOR.SI
13. BBC Things
14. Genius API
15. Carnegie Hall linked open data