Albert King (1923-1992), born Albert Nelson in Indianola, Mississippi, became one of the most technically skilled electric blues guitarists of the post-war era, known for his commanding left-handed playing style and soaring string bends.

Early Life and Career

King grew up in Indianola before relocating to Gary, Indiana, in 1946. He later settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed his signature sound throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His unorthodox technique—playing a right-handed guitar strung for left-handed use—created a distinctive tonal quality that influenced generations of musicians.

Major Recordings

• Born Under a Bad Sign (1967) - his debut album on Stax Records
• Years Gone By (1969) - featuring extended guitar improvisations
• I'll Play the Blues for You (1972) - his most commercially successful release
• Albert King and Otis Rush (1975) - collaborative album recorded in Chicago

Recognition and Legacy

King's album Born Under a Bad Sign peaked at number 38 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1967. The Blues Foundation inducted him into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983, recognizing his contributions to electric blues guitar. His technical mastery of the instrument and innovative use of amplification techniques earned him respect among rock and blues musicians throughout his career until his death in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1992.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Albert King

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_King