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Albert Collins

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Albert Collins
(October 1, 1932 - November 24, 1993)

Albert was a true Texas Blues musician; famous for playing his beloved Fender Telecasters and using a capo placed unusually high on the neck of his guitar to achieve a unique trademark sound. At twenty, he formed his first Blues band; playing clubs and venues in his Houston, Texas hometown. Like many Texas Blues musicians, Collins had been heavily influenced by the likes of T-Bone Walker, Guitar Slim, and his cousin, Lightnin' Hopkins. He was given his first recording contract in 1958, where he released several minor hits and solidified his trademark "icy" sound. In 1965, he moved to Kansas City, later moving between San Francisco and Houston; where he met the Blues group Canned Heat, and at their behest, was later signed with Imperial Records. He recorded the critically acclaimed Love Can Be Found Anywhere and Trash Talkin' for Imperial. In 1977, after several years of marginal success, he was signed with the exceptional contemporary Blues record label, Alligator Records (outside link). It was there that he recorded several Grammy-nominated albums, with Don't Lose your Cool winning a W.C. Handy Award. Throughout the 80's and 90's, he toured extensively across the world; notably playing with Blues/Rock musician George Thorogood and Blues great Bo Diddley at venues in Japan, England, Switzerland, Canada, Spain and others. In 1985, Collins, Robert Cray, and Johnny Copeland recorded the hit album Showdown!, which many Blues enthusiasts regard as a must-hear in the repitoire of contemporary electric Blues.
During a 1993 tour; Collins fell ill, and in August was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He passed away in November, 1993 at his home in Las Vegas. Alber Collins' legacy lives on through his widely felt influence on many contemporary Blues artist; including Robert Cray and Stevie Ray Vaughan, among many others. His albums, energetic stage presence, and uniquely thrilling guitar work has largely been regarded as championing both Texas Blues and the electric guitar.

Notable albums by Albert Collins

Showdown!       (buy album)       (download album)

Ice Pickin'       (buy album)       (download album)