Freddie King was born Freddie Christian on September 3, 1934 in Gilmer, Texas.
He grew up listening to blues artists such as Blind Lemon Jefferson,
Lightnin' Hopkins, and Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup. He learned the basics
of guitar from his mother and uncle. Early in his life, Freddie played
in the acoustic style of his Texas contemporaries. In 1950, Freddie and
his family moved to Chicago. He soon became interested in the thriving
blues scene in Chicago. He soon became heavily influenced by blues giants
Muddy Waters, Robert Lockwood Jr., Eddie Taylor, and Jimmy Rogers.
He formed a band called the Every Hour Blues Boys.
By the mid-1950's, Freddie took the last name King as contemporary Albert King
had done. During this time, he cut "Country Boy" for the small El-Bee label,
which did not do well on the market. His career didn't take off until 1960,
when he signed with Federal Records. His first release was
"You've Got to Love Her With a Feeling" which actually hit the pop charts.
This song was followed by other hits including "Lonesome Whistle Blues",
"I'm Tore Down", "Have You Ever Loved a Woman", and "Hide Away".
"Hide Away" became one of Freddie's biggest hits. Soon his songs were being
covered by Eric Clapton and Magic Sam.
Freddie King is very well-known for his blues instrumentals such as
"San-Ho-Zay" and "The Stumble". Due to the popularity of guitar instrumentals
in the early 60's, Freddie was able to move from R&B to Pop to Blues and
back with hits such as "Bossa Nova Watusi Twist", "Monkey Donkey", and
"Surf Monkey". King's relationship with Federal Records ended in 1968.
He then recorded for Atlantic's Cotillion label and Shelter Records.
He released three records with Shelter Records. "Going Down" was one
of his big hits from this period. In 1974, Freddie signed with RSO Records
and released Burglar. Eric Clapton helped to produce this album.
Freddie followed this album with Larger Than Life in 1975. Unfortunately,
the toll touring took on him caught up with him on December 29, 1976.
Freddie King died from heart failure at the age of 42.
"She's a Burglar"
