Bobby King (musician) facts for kids

Robert L. King (born January 29, 1941 – died July 22, 1983) was an American blues musician. He was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter, known for his Chicago blues style.

Bobby King played with many famous musicians. These included Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, Bobby Bland, Freddie King, and Lonnie Johnson. While he was well-known as a musician who played on other artists' recordings, Bobby King also released his own music. Between 1962 and 1975, he put out four singles and one album. King passed away in 1983 at the age of 42.

Who Was Bobby King?

Early Life and Music Journey

Bobby King was born in Jefferson County, Arkansas, United States. He found inspiration in the music of Fenton Robinson and Larry Davis. In 1959, he spent a short time in St. Louis, Missouri. After that, he moved to Chicago, Illinois.

In Chicago, Bobby King became a local favorite. He often performed in the blues clubs on the city's West Side. His second single, "What a Day, What a Night," released in 1964, helped him reach more listeners.

Becoming a Session Musician

Bobby King's guitar playing had a unique jazz-like style. This made him a popular choice for recording with other blues musicians. He played on songs for artists like Lee "Shot" Williams, Eddy Clearwater, and Freddie King.

He also went on tour, playing guitar for well-known singers. These included Bobby Bland and Hank Ballard. His very first single, "Thanks Mr. Postman," came out in 1962. It was released by Federal Records. This song was an "answer song" to the popular hit "Please Mr. Postman." Two more singles followed on smaller record labels. However, these songs did not sell very much.

Recording His Own Music

In 1975, Bobby King released his first album. It was called Chaser. This album was recorded live during a performance. It was put out by a French record label called MCM Records. Bobby King wrote two of the songs on the album, including the title track.

In 1977, an article about Bobby King appeared in Blues Unlimited magazine. This helped share his story with more music fans.

His Legacy and Later Years

Bobby King had plans to tour in Europe and Japan. However, an incident happened at a club in Chicago. King was injured, which made it impossible for him to play the guitar. He sadly passed away from his injuries on July 22, 1983. An article about his life appeared in Living Blues magazine later that year.

Bobby King's music has been included on several collection albums. These albums feature songs from different artists. Some of these collections include:

• King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (2002), which has "Thanks Mr. Postman."
• R&B Hipshakers Vol. 3: Just a Little Bit of the Jumpin' Bean (2012).
• The R & B Singles Collection Volume 2 (2013).

Bobby King's Music

Singles

Albums

Chaser included two songs written by Bobby King himself, like the title track. Most of the other songs were covers of well-known blues songs. The album was later re-released on CD by Storyville Records in 1998.

See also

• List of Chicago blues musicians