Date of Birth: April 25, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: December 21, 1992
Biography
Albert King, born Albert Nelson on April 25, 1923, in Indianola, Mississippi, was an iconic American blues guitarist and singer. Known as one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” (along with B.B. King and Freddie King), Albert King left an indelible mark on the music world with his unique string-bending technique and deep, soulful voice. His career spanned several decades, starting in the late 1940s and continuing until his death in 1992. King’s distinctive guitar style, often played on his Gibson Flying V, was characterized by his use of a left-handed approach on a right-handed guitar, played upside down. His influence extended beyond blues, impacting rock and roll and inspiring countless musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Albert King was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, posthumously. He is best known for his timeless hits such as “Born Under a Bad Sign,” “Laundromat Blues,” and “Crosscut Saw.”
5 Interesting Facts about Albert King
1. Albert King was often known as “The Velvet Bulldozer” due to his smooth singing voice and his large physical stature.
2. He initially played the drums before switching to guitar, which he taught himself to play.
3. King’s album “Born Under a Bad Sign” is considered one of the greatest blues albums of all time.
4. He was left-handed but played a right-handed guitar flipped upside down without restringing it.
5. Albert King performed at the famous Fillmore West, where he gained a significant following among rock audiences.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Albert King
1. “Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die.”
2. “Blues is like a virus, it’s infectious.”
3. “You can’t get away from the blues if you’re a musician. You might play blues badly, but you’re still playing the blues.”
4. “I want to be remembered as a great blues singer and a great blues player.”
5. “The blues was bleeding the same blood as me.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Albert King’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Albert King had two children, a son named Donald and a daughter named Evelyn.
Relevant Links
1. [Albert King – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/albert-king
3. [Albert King – Blues Hall of Fame](https://blues.org/blues_hof_inductee/albert-king/
4. [Albert King – Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/72194-Albert-King
5. [Albert King – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0454913/