Background
The cousin of Lightnin" Hopkins, King learned guitar from his father.
The cousin of Lightnin" Hopkins, King learned guitar from his father.
His style is based on that of Freddie King, although his own approach to country blues is original. In 1954, at the age of 14, he moved to New Orleans. He recorded the first electric blues album in New Orleans with Harmonica Williams in 1969.
In 1976, King undertook a European tour alongside Bo Diddley and John Lee Hooker.
His next recording opportunity came in 1996, twenty-seven years after his first, with the release of Swamp Boogie. King"s Sing Sang Sung (2000) was recorded live at the Dream Palace in Faubourg Marigny.
He was selected three times as Blues Performer of the Year in New Orleans. King was honored with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker in McComb, Mississippi.
King"s most recent album, Messin’ Around tha Living Room was released in 2015.
King is a charter member of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and has played at the festival for 42 years. He is a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.