Guitar Shorty facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Guitar Shorty
Guitar Shorty at the 2008 Ottawa Bluesfest
Background information
Birth name	David William Kearney
Born	(1934-09-08)September 8, 1934 Houston, Texas, U.S.
Died	April 20, 2022(2022-04-20) (aged 87) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Blues
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1950s–2022
Labels	Black Top, Alligator

David William Kearney (born September 8, 1934 – died April 20, 2022) was a famous American musician known as Guitar Shorty. He was a talented blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. People remembered him for his exciting guitar playing and energetic performances on stage.

Guitar Shorty was so good that he even influenced legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy. He played and toured for many decades, from the 1950s all the way to the 2020s. Billboard magazine once said his guitar work was "top-of-the-line blues-rock" and his singing was "forceful."

Guitar Shorty's Early Life

Shorty was born in either Houston, Texas, or Loughman, Florida. He grew up mostly in Kissimmee, Florida. His uncle taught him to play the guitar when he was very young. Soon after, he started leading his own band.

When he was 16, playing in Tampa Bay, Florida, he got his famous nickname, Guitar Shorty. It appeared mysteriously on the sign of the club where he was playing. It said 'The Walter Johnson Band featuring Guitar Shorty.'

Rising to Fame

Guitar Shorty quickly started getting praise from other musicians. He soon joined the Ray Charles Band and played with them for a year. In 1957, he recorded his first song, "You Don't Treat Me Right." He recorded it for the Cobra label with help from Willie Dixon. Dixon saw him playing with the Walter Johnson Orchestra and was impressed.

While in New Orleans, Shorty also led his own band. They often played at the Dew Drop Inn. Special guests like T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, and Little Richard would sometimes join him on stage.

Moving West and Meeting Jimi Hendrix

Shorty loved to travel and explore new places. He moved to the West Coast when he was 19 to play with Sam Cooke. He played all over the West Coast and Canada.

In Seattle, Washington, he met his future wife, Marsha. Marsha was the step-sister of the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was so amazed by Shorty's playing that he would sometimes leave his Army base without permission just to watch him perform. Shorty even introduced Hendrix to the wah pedal. He loaned Hendrix one when Jimi couldn't afford to buy his own. Shorty married Marsha in 1962, and they separated in 1970.

Later Career and Challenges

Shorty played many gigs throughout the late 1950s and 1960s. In the 1970s, he worked as a mechanic during the day. He continued to play music at night and on weekends. In 1975, he became a full-time musician again, even though it was sometimes hard to make enough money.

In 1976, he appeared on Chuck Barris' Gong Show. He won first prize for performing his song, "They Call Me Guitar Shorty," while balancing on his head!

In 2002, he was featured on a tribute album for Bo Diddley. He performed the song "Don't Let It Go (Hold On To What You Got)." He joined Alligator Records in 2004. His albums Watch Your Back (2004) and We the People (2006) were very popular. They both appeared on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. Billboard said We The People was an amazing album.

On May 10, 2016, his touring van and trailer were stolen. Most of his instruments and gear were inside. People organized online fundraisers and benefit concerts in Los Angeles to help him. Even The Chambers Brothers performed to support him.

Guitar Shorty released his album Trying To Find My Way Back in 2019. He also played lead guitar on Crazy Tomes' song "Livin' on Memories" in 2020. He continued to tour with his band for many years. His band included Dan Gerass (Drums), Crazy Tomes (Guitar and vocals), Malcolm Lukens (Keyboards), and Wadada Khufu (bass).

Guitar Shorty passed away on April 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. He was 87 years old.

Discography

Here is a list of albums released by Guitar Shorty:

• On the Rampage (Olive Branch, 1989)
• My Way or the Highway (JSP, 1991)
• Topsy Turvy (Black Top, 1993)
• Get Wise to Yourself (Black Top, 1995)
• Blues Is All Right (Janblues, August 27, 1996)
• Billie Jean Blues (Collectables, August 27, 1996)
• Roll Over, Baby (Black Top, 1998)
• I Go Wild! (Evidence, 2001)
• Watch Your Back (Alligator Records, 2004)
• The Best of Guitar Shorty: The Long and Short of It (Shout! Factory, June 2006)
• We the People (Alligator Records, August 2006)
• Bare Knuckle (Alligator Records, March 2010)
• How Blue Can You Get (Janblues, December 2010)
• Trying To Find My Way Back (Essential Media Group, 2019)