Freddie King

• Genre: Electric Blues
• Hometown: Gilmer

About

One of the three Kings of electric guitar, Freddy (or Freddie) co-owned many of the most classic blues riffs with B.B. and Albert. He got a slightly rawer sound than his fellow Kings, playing bright, snappy licks plucked with thumb and fingers on his Fender Stratocaster. Although he was born in Texas, King had more of a Chicago Blues sound, drawing influence from artists such as Robert Lockwood Jr. and Jimmy Rogers. Defining his style early, King had initial success with instrumentals like "Hideaway." His rough, loud, powerful vocals came later, when he started belting out songs like "Big Legged Woman." Eric Clapton was one of the most notable performers influenced by King, basing his entire sound on a love for King's music. Live in concert was the best way to experience the original, who tore up the stage with his large and slashing guitar presence.