Birth: February 7, 1934 (New Orleans, LA)
Birth: February 7, 1934 (New Orleans, LA)
One of the key figures in New Orleans blues and R&B, Earl King has been a constant presence either on or behind the scenes for more than 40 years. From powerful blues a la Guitar Slim (a huge influence on King's early work for Specialty) and South Louisiana-style ballads to classic New Orleans "second line" rhythms and contemporary R&B, King has proven his mastery time and again. He has produced or written songs for most of the major New Orleans artists, including Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, as well as recording hits of his own such as "Those Lonely, Lonely Nights" (Ace, 1955) and "Trick Bag" (Imperial, 1962). King also did the original version of "Come On," later repopularized by Jimi Hendrix.
-- Jim O'Neal, All-Music Guide
