Guy King

Guy King
Background information
Birth name Guy King
Born (1977-10-03) October 3, 1977
Israel
Genres
Occupation(s) Musician, singer-songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active 1999–present
Labels Delmark Records
Associated acts

Guy King Trio,

Willie Kent and His Gents
Website

guyking.net

External video
Click for video], Guy King performing Drown in My Own Tears 2014
Click for video], Guy King Band 2016

Guy King (born October 3, 1977) is an Israeli born blues and jazz guitarist and singer who now lives in Chicago Illinois. King began singing when he was four years old living in Israel. King was exposed Bossa Nova and Salsa as a child and it made an impression on him.[1] By the age of seven, King was playing the clarinet, and within three years he became a part of a conservatory orchestra, a large big band. After playing clarinet for a few years, King finally picked up the guitar at the age of 13.[2] Guy King's style has been influenced by many Jazz, soul and blues greats which include B.B. King, Wes Montgomery, Ray Charles, Albert King, Percy Mayfield, and Johnny "Guitar" Watson,[3]

Personal life

Guy King was born and raised in Israel. King toured the United States with an Israeli singing group when he was 16. After this, King was sure he wanted to move to the United States. However, 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 took his guitar and one suitcase and he moved to Memphis, Tennessee. King said he moved to Memphis, "...because B.B. King and Albert King started there." After a short time in Memphis, King then moved to New Orleans before settling in Chicago.[4] Guy King is married to Sarah Fringero and has one daughter named Rachel.

Career

Willie Kent and His Gents

When Guy King arrived in the United States, he spent a short time in Memphis and New Orleans before settling in Chicago. King spent six years playing in Chicago blues singer Willie Kent’s band, and became Kent's bandleader. After Kent died, King began his solo career.[5]

Guy King took a break from performing after Kent's death. He stated, "When Willie passed away in 2006 I did not feel like playing too much. I was asked and expected to lead Willie’s band “The Gents” as I did when he was sick, but it did not feel right to me. “The Gents” were Willie Kent’s band."[6]

Guy King 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). and in 2015 King signed with Delmark Records and Delmark released his 2016 album (Truth).

Style and Legacy

Guy 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 great Wes Montgomery. King is a throwback to the big band era.

King blends jazz, soul, and blues to create his own style which has been described as "eclectic".[7]

Discography

  • Livin' It (2008)
  • By Myself (2012
  • I Am Who I Am And It Is What It Is (2012)
  • Truth (2016)

References

  1. ↑ Mullins, Terry. "Featured Interview - Guy King". Blues Blast Magazine. Blues Blast Magazine Inc. December 2, 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  2. ↑ Jeffers, Mike. "Guy King: From Israel to the Top of the Charts". Chicago Jazz. Chicago Jazz May 14, 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  3. ↑ Heidt, John. "Guy King". Vintage Guitar. Vintage Guitar, Inc. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  4. ↑ Reich, Howard (May 23, 2016). "Guy King heralds the sounds of Israeli Jazz Fest". Arts & Entertainment. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  5. ↑ Kerzner, Barry (August 24, 2016). "Guy King Brings Truth to His Blues". American Blues Scene. American Blues Scene, LLC. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  6. ↑ Cain, Linda. "Interview with Guy King". Chicago Blues Guide. Chicago Blues Guide LLC. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  7. ↑ Heidt, John. "I Am Who I Am And It Is What It Is By Myself". Vintage Guitar. Vintage Guitar, Inc. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
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