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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZKING, Freddie(b 3 Sep. '34, Gilmer TX; d 28 Dec. '76, Dallas) Influential blues guitarist, singer. Family moved to Chicago when he was 16; sneaked into clubs, jammed with Muddy Waters, played with Willie Dixon, LaVern Baker, Memphis Slim; made own first record '56; signed with Federal (King) '60: had top ten R&B hits 'Hide Away' (for Chicago lounge); prod. 'Lonesome Whistle Blues', 'San-HoZay', 'I'm Tore Down', lesser hits 'See See Baby', 'Christmas Tears', all '61. Released more than 70 sides, about 30 instrumentals, but no more hits; by '66 he was back in Texas with no record deal. Meanwhile songs were covered in UK by Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor and Pete Green with John Mayall, by Stan Webb with Chicken Shack; Clapton also later covered 'Have You Ever Loved A Woman' on Layla. Recognized as extremely influential, King toured UK with blues shows, signed with Atlantic's Cotillion label '68, made two LPs prod. by King Curtis incl. My Feeling For The Blues '70; then with Leon Russell's Shelter label: Getting Ready '71, Texas Cannonball '72, Woman Across The River '73; on RSO: Burglar '74 with Clapton, Gonzales, prod. in UK by Mike Vernon; also Larger Than Life '75. Died of ulcers and heart trouble. A dozen CDs available '97 incl. Early Years on Ace, compilations on King, Deluxe, Modern Blues, Polydor (with Clapton), Magnum, Black Top, two-CD King Of The Blues on EMI. |