The influence that Albert King had on guitar playing is almost incalculable.Although he was in his most basic sense a “Blues Man” his sweeping tones and minimalist playing created an earthy, gritty mood before he even sang a note.The amount of people who called King influential was endless; but a brief roll call would include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.His unique style allowed the Blues Man a rare crossover appeal that broke down racial boundaries and with his use of Soul, Rock and traditional Blues, there were few who could listen to Albert King and not get something from it.He was always overshadowed by more successful Blues personnel, but perhaps a posthumous induction to the Hall could alleviate that…at least for a moment anyway.
The Bullet Points:
Eligible Since:
1987
Country of Origin:
U.S.A. (Indianola, MS)
Chances of Induction:
Never
Why He Will Get In:
He unquestionably meets the influence criteria.
Why He Won’t Get In:
As influential as he was, he did so somewhat anonymously.
Essential Albums:
The Big Blues (1962)
Born Under A Bad Sign (1967)
Live Wire/Blues Power (1968)
The Blues Don’t Change (1974)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:
Travelin’ To California (From The Big Blues, 1962)
Born Under A Bad Sign (From Born Under A Bad Sign, 1967)
Crosscut Saw (From Born Under A Bad Sign, 1967)
Watermelon Man (From Live Wire/Blues Power, 1968)
The Sky is Crying (From Years Gone By, 1969)
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