Guy King

Guy King
Guy King performing in Wisconsin (2022)
Born1977 (age 47–48)
Israel
SpouseSarah Fringero
ChildrenOne daughter
Musical career
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, singer-songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1999–present
LabelsDelmark Records
Websiteguyking.net

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.[3] He was exposed bossa nova and salsa as a child.[4] 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.[5]

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.[3]

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.[8]

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.[9] His style which has been described as "eclectic".[2]

Musical equipment

Guy King's rig before his performance at Smoke on the Water in Okauchee, Wisconsin

Guitars

Amplifiers

Discography

  • Livin' It (2008)
  • By Myself (2012
  • I Am Who I Am and It Is What It Is (2012)
  • Truth (2016)
  • Joy Is Coming (2021)[8]

Personal life

He is married to Sarah Marie Young.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Brinn, David (10 December 2013). "Long live the King of smooth". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b Heidt, John (15 May 2016). "Guy King". Vintage Guitar. Vintage Guitar, Inc. Archived from the original on 20 March 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b Reich, Howard (23 May 2016). "Guy King heralds the sounds of Israeli Jazz Fest". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  4. ^ Mullins, Terry (2 December 2016). "Featured Interview - Guy King". Blues Blast Magazine. Blues Blast Magazine Inc. 2 December 2016. Archived from the original on 20 March 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  5. ^ Jeffers, Mike. "Guy King: From Israel to the Top of the Charts". Chicago Jazz. Chicago Jazz 14 May 2016. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  6. ^ a b Kerzner, Barry (24 August 2016). "Guy King Brings Truth to His Blues". American Blues Scene. American Blues Scene, LLC. Archived from the original on 19 March 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  7. ^ Cain, Linda. "Interview with Guy King". Chicago Blues Guide. Chicago Blues Guide LLC. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  8. ^ a b Buckley, Brant (8 June 2021). "Guy King: Joy is Coming". American Blues Scene. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  9. ^ Reis, Ron. "King of Soul, Guy Kng at Space". Buzz News. Buzz Center Stage. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  10. ^ "Guy King". North Shore Center. North Shore Center For The Performing Arts. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.