Interviewing Albert King, one of the most influential - and intimidating - electric guitarists ever. Plus: an Albert Playlist. How he influenced Stevie Ray Vaughan so much and more.
I was at that show at Tramps. As I was standing in line to get in the club,a tall,big black guy was in front of me with a pipe. I thought he was a fan like me. Turned out it was Albert King and I was standing next to him. He was playin on his birthday and he died on mine...I 'll never forget that night.
One of the great Duane Allman stories was when Duane took Donna to see Albert play in East St Louis across the river where I think Albert was living around 1966 when Duane was in the Central West End. Similar to the BB King Ryman story, Albert froze Duane in the audience with his guitar.
I was at that Cleveland show. The Front Row Theater. Sadly, that venue is long gone. Thank you for this excellent article and for bringing back fond memories.
Thanks for this one. Albert has always been my favorite of the 3 Kings and that's no knock to the other two at all. Albert had an intensity to his playing that the other 2 didn't. I love that he was everything you expected when you met him, even if everything is a bit intimidating.
Thank you. Freddie was pretty intense all the times I've seen clips - never got to see him live. But yes Albert always my favorite. The power, intensity, tone, focus... Please share!
Fantastic! Albert was such a one of a kind artist. People talk so much about the Hendrix in Stevie’s playing, but if there was ever one guitar player other than Jimmie that loomed large in Stevie’s repertoire, it was Albert. No question. Great read and great interview!
I was at that show at Tramps. As I was standing in line to get in the club,a tall,big black guy was in front of me with a pipe. I thought he was a fan like me. Turned out it was Albert King and I was standing next to him. He was playin on his birthday and he died on mine...I 'll never forget that night.
Amazing. why was he standing in line? Was that gig on April 25?
Great article and interview. I’m a bit jealous of all the amazing people you got to meet and talk to. Keep it coming!
Thank you Kerry.
One of the great Duane Allman stories was when Duane took Donna to see Albert play in East St Louis across the river where I think Albert was living around 1966 when Duane was in the Central West End. Similar to the BB King Ryman story, Albert froze Duane in the audience with his guitar.
I don't really know this story, actually.
I was at that Cleveland show. The Front Row Theater. Sadly, that venue is long gone. Thank you for this excellent article and for bringing back fond memories.
Oh wow. Theater in the round, right?
That's the one. There's a Home Depot on that site now.
Thanks again for these great articles. I look forward to each one.
Thank you. I was just remembering more details about that whole thing. I'll share eventually, but man was it snowing hard that night
As always, Mr. Paul...a fabulous article!! Thank you!
Thank you. Please share!
Thanks for this one. Albert has always been my favorite of the 3 Kings and that's no knock to the other two at all. Albert had an intensity to his playing that the other 2 didn't. I love that he was everything you expected when you met him, even if everything is a bit intimidating.
Thank you. Freddie was pretty intense all the times I've seen clips - never got to see him live. But yes Albert always my favorite. The power, intensity, tone, focus... Please share!
The best interview with the Velvet Bulldozer I've read. Will now go and play 'Cold Feet' very loud!
Thank you. Of course I wish I could do it now at this stage of my life and career, but sure glad I did it!
I cannot imagine being there for The Sky is Crying, Albert King oh my! You are a lucky man Alan!
Very cool story. Albert is my favorite of the Three Kings!
Thanks. Mine too!
Great interview, that must have been so much fun after it was over and you were able to fully appreciate it, he was a force of nature.
Fantastic! Albert was such a one of a kind artist. People talk so much about the Hendrix in Stevie’s playing, but if there was ever one guitar player other than Jimmie that loomed large in Stevie’s repertoire, it was Albert. No question. Great read and great interview!
100 percent yes. and don't forget that Albert was also huge to Jimi.
Another great article! Thanks Alan- I look forward to every Low Down and Dirty.
Thank you!