Albert Collins Quotes
- Guitarist
- USA
- 1932 - 1993
Albert Collins (1932-1993) was an American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter. He was known for his unique style of Texas blues, which combined elements of blues, jazz, and rock and roll. He was also known for his use of the “icy” tone, which he achieved by using a capo on the guitar…Read More
Albert Collins (1932-1993) was an American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter. He was known for his unique style of Texas blues, which combined elements of blues, jazz, and rock and roll. He was also known for his use of the “icy” tone, which he achieved by using a capo on the guitar neck and playing with a bottleneck slide. His most notable works include “Frostbite,” “Lights Are On But Nobody’s Home,” and “If Trouble Was Money.” He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1986 and was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.Read Less
Albert Collins (1932-1993) was an American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter. He was known for his unique style of Texas blues, which combined elements of blues, jazz, and rock and roll. He was also known for his use of the “icy” tone, which he achieved by using a capo on the guitar neck and playing with a bottleneck slide. His most notable works include “Frostbite,” “Lights Are On But Nobody’s Home,” and “If Trouble Was Money.” He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1986 and was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Albert Collins Career Highlights
- Born on October 1, 1932 in Leona, Texas
- Known as “The Master of the Telecaster”
- Began playing guitar at the age of 12
- Moved to Houston in 1954 and began playing in local clubs
- Signed with Imperial Records in 1958 and released his first single, “The Freeze”
- Recorded over 25 albums throughout his career
- Won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1987 for his album “Showdown!”
- Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1989
- Known for his unique style of playing the guitar behind his head and with a capo on the fifth fret
Key Contributions by Albert Collins
- Pioneered the use of the Fender Telecaster in blues music
- Developed a distinctive sound by using a capo and playing in alternate tunings
- Influenced many other musicians, including Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robert Cray
- Known for his powerful and soulful vocals, as well as his energetic live performances
- Helped bring the blues genre to a wider audience through his collaborations with rock musicians such as Eric Clapton and Gary Moore
What Sets Albert Collins Apart
- Known for his “icy” guitar tone and use of minor keys in his music
- Often incorporated elements of funk and soul into his blues music
- Used a variety of guitar techniques, including string bending and vibrato, to create a unique sound
- Known for his witty and humorous lyrics, often incorporating everyday phrases and slang into his songs
- Continues to be highly influential in the blues and rock music communities, even after his death in 1993
Takeaways
- Albert Collins was a highly influential and innovative blues musician, known for his distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals.
- He helped bridge the gap between blues and rock music, and his influence can still be heard in the music of many contemporary artists.
- His legacy continues to live on through his recordings and the impact he had on the blues genre.