Guy King Explained

Guy King
Birth Place:Israel
Spouse:Sarah Fringero
Children:One daughter
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Occupation:Musician, singer-songwriter
Years Active:1999–present
Label:Delmark Records

Guy King (born 1977)[1] is an Israeli-born blues and jazz guitarist and singer who now lives in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Guy King's playing style has been influenced by many jazz, soul and blues musicians which include B.B. King, and Albert King.[2]

Early life

King was born and raised in Israel. He was exposed bossa nova and salsa as a child.[3] At age 7 King played the clarinet, and at 10 years old, he was part of a conservatory orchestra. When he was 13, he began playing guitar.[4]

At 16 he toured the United States with an Israeli singing group. King had to serve three years of compulsory military service in Israel. Just Twelve days after King was discharged from the military in 1999 (age 21), King moved to Memphis, Tennessee. After a short time in Memphis, King then moved to New Orleans before settling in Chicago.[5]

Career

Willie Kent and His Gents

King was in Chicago blues singer Willie Kent's band The Gents for six years, becoming Kent's bandleader. After Kent died, King for a time wanted to play less and declined an offer to lead the band. He subsequently began his solo career.[6] [7]

Solo career

King began his solo career in 2006. In 2009, King released his first solo album, Livin' It, and two more albums, I Am Who I Am And It Is What It Is and By Myself. In 2015, King signed with Delmark Records and Delmark released his 2016 album Truth.[6] In 2021 he released the studio album Joy Is Coming.

Style and legacy

King is known for an unusual technique of plucking the strings with the side of his thumb. The way King holds his guitar and plucks the strings is similar to the jazz musician Wes Montgomery.[8] His style which has been described as "eclectic".[2]

Musical equipment

Guitars

Amplifiers

Discography

Personal life

He is married to Sarah Marie Young.[10]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Brinn . David . Long live the King of smooth . 10 July 2022 . The Jerusalem Post . 10 December 2013.
  2. Web site: Heidt. John. Guy King. Vintage Guitar. 15 May 2016 . Vintage Guitar, Inc.. 13 February 2018. 20 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180320165925/http://www.vintageguitar.com/24563/guy-king-2/. live.
  3. Web site: Mullins. Terry. Featured Interview - Guy King. Blues Blast Magazine. 2 December 2016 . Blues Blast Magazine Inc. 2 December 2016. 13 February 2018. 20 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105508/http://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/featured-interview-guy-king/. live.
  4. Web site: Jeffers. Mike. Guy King: From Israel to the Top of the Charts. Chicago Jazz. Chicago Jazz 14 May 2016. 27 January 2018. 8 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180208115402/http://www.chicagojazz.com/single-post/2016/05/14/Guy-King-From-Israel-to-the-Top-of-the-Charts. live.
  5. News: Reich . Howard . Guy King heralds the sounds of Israeli Jazz Fest . 15 November 2021 . Chicago Tribune . 23 May 2016 . 3 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210703012743/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/howard-reich/ct-jazz-israeli-fest-ent-0525-20160523-column.html . live .
  6. Web site: Kerzner. Barry. Guy King Brings Truth to His Blues. American Blues Scene. American Blues Scene, LLC.. 24 August 2016. 13 February 2018. 19 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151252/https://www.americanbluesscene.com/guy-king-brings-truth-to-his-blues/. live.
  7. Web site: Cain. Linda. Interview with Guy King. Chicago Blues Guide. Chicago Blues Guide LLC. 13 February 2018. 2 November 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171102180748/http://www.chicagobluesguide.com/features/guy-king-interview/guy-king-interview-2016-page-final.html. live.
  8. Web site: Reis . Ron . King of Soul, Guy Kng at Space . Buzz News . Buzz Center Stage . 15 November 2021 . 15 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175619/http://www.buzznews.net/in-concert/item/4500-king-of-soul-guy-king-at-space.html . live .
  9. Web site: Buckley . Brant . Guy King: Joy is Coming . American Blues Scene . 8 June 2021 . 15 November 2021 . 15 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211115173625/https://www.americanbluesscene.com/guy-king-joy-is-coming/ . live .
  10. Web site: Guy King . North Shore Center . North Shore Center For The Performing Arts. . 15 November 2021 . 15 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175948/https://northshorecenter.org/event/guy-king/ . live .