Guy King

Guy King (born October 3, 1977) is an Israeli born blues and jazz guitarist and singer who now lives in Chicago, Illinois, United States. 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 musicians which include B.B. King, and Albert King.[3]

Guy King
Guy King performing at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago 2017
Born
Guy King

(1977-10-03) October 3, 1977
Israel
Spouse(s)Sarah Fringero
ChildrenOne daughter
Musical career
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, singer-songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1999–present
LabelsDelmark Records
Associated acts
  • Guy King Trio
  • Willie Kent and His Gents
Websiteguyking.net

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 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]

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]

Solo career
Guy King trying out vintage Gibson guitars. King has begun playing Gibson guitars exclusively in his 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.[5]

Guy King and his band began recording another studio album with Delmark Records in January 2019.

The rhythm section for the new album includes:

  • Guy King - Guitar
  • Joshua Ramos - Bass
  • Tom Vaitsas - piano
  • Samuel Jewell - Drums

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.

King blends jazz, soul, and blues to create his own style which has been described as "eclectic".[3]

Musical equipment

Guitars

Amplifiers

Discography
  • Livin' It (2008)
  • By Myself (2012
  • I Am Who I Am and It Is What It Is (2012)
  • Truth (2016)
  • New unnamed album recording January (2019)
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See also

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 (23 May 2016). "Guy King heralds the sounds of Israeli Jazz Fest". Arts & Entertainment. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  5. Kerzner, Barry (24 August 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.
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