Albert Collins, hailed as the “Master of the Telecaster,” was an influential American blues guitarist and singer. Born on October 1, 1932, in Leona, Texas, Collins’ distinctive guitar style and soulful vocals earned him a prominent place in the blues genre. Known for his improvisational skills and trademark icy tone, he left a lasting impact on the world of blues music. Collins passed away on November 24, 1993, leaving behind a powerful musical legacy.
Biography
| Name | Birthdate | Date of Death | Occupation | Notable Guitar Style | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Collins | October 1, 1932 | November 24, 1993 | Electric Blues Guitarist and Singer | Powerful playing, use of altered tunings and a capo | The Master of the Telecaster |
Early Life
Albert Collins was born on October 1, 1932, in Leona, Texas. He was raised in a small farming community where he discovered his love for music at a young age. At the age of twelve, his family moved to Houston, Texas, where he was exposed to the vibrant blues scene of the city. It was in Houston that Collins began learning to play the guitar and honing his skills as a musician. His distinctive guitar style, characterized by his use of a capo and a unique tunings, would later become his trademark sound. His early life experiences in Texas would greatly influence his music career and establish him as one of the most innovative blues guitarists of his time.
Family
| Name | Relation | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Parents | Sam Collins | Albert Collins’ father, played guitar and influenced his musical career. |
| Virginia Collins | Albert Collins’ mother, supported and encouraged his passion for music. | |
| Siblings | Willie Collins | Albert Collins’ brother, also a musician who played bass guitar. |
| Leola Collins | Albert Collins’ sister, shared a love for music with her brothers. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | 190 lbs |
| Chest | 42 inches |
| Waist | 34 inches |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Albert Collins was known as the “Master of the Telecaster” and was a highly influential blues musician.
Albert Collins is currently married to Gwendolyn Collins. They got married on November 25, 1968.
| Wives/Girlfriends | Marriage Date/Relationship Period |
|---|---|
| Gwen Collins | Married on November 25, 1968 |
| N/A | N/A |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Albert Collins was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who gained fame for his distinctive guitar playing style and intense live performances. He was born on October 1, 1932, in Leona, Texas.
Collins began playing guitar at a young age, heavily influenced by Texas blues legends such as T-Bone Walker and Freddie King. His breakthrough came in the late 1960s when he signed with the record label Imperial and released his debut album, “The Cool Sound of Albert Collins” in 1965.
His stinging guitar tone, a result of his unique “icy” sound, earned him the nickname “The Iceman” and set him apart from other blues guitarists of his time.
Throughout his career, Albert Collins released numerous albums and achieved critical and commercial success. Some of his most popular works include:
- “Ice Pickin'” (1978)
- “Frostbite” (1980)
- “Cold Snap” (1986)
- “Iceman” (1991)
Collins was known for his energetic and electrifying live performances. He often collaborated with notable musicians such as Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland.
Albert Collins received several awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 1987 for his album “Showdown!” with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland
- Induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1989
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 as an early influence
While Albert Collins did not have any major controversies surrounding his career, there were some minor disputes, mainly over rights and royalties. These disputes commonly occur within the music industry and are often resolved through legal means.
Overall, Albert Collins is remembered as one of the most influential blues guitarists of his time, leaving behind a timeless legacy and inspiring countless musicians with his unique style.
Faq
A: Albert Collins was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was known for his distinctive guitar playing style and his signature Telecaster guitar named “The Iceman”.
A: Albert Collins was born on October 1, 1932.
A: Albert Collins passed away on November 24, 1993.
A: Albert Collins was known for his unique blend of blues, rock, and jazz. His playing style combined elements of Texas and Chicago blues with his own improvisational skills.
A: Some of Albert Collins’ popular songs include “Frosty”, “Ice Pick”, “If You Love Me Like You Say”, and “Black Cat Bone”.
A: Yes, Albert Collins received numerous awards during his career, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Recording in 1991 for his album “Cold Snap”. He was also inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1986.
A: Absolutely! Albert Collins was a major influence on many guitarists and musicians, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, and Joe Bonamassa. His unique guitar style and sound continue to inspire aspiring blues musicians today.
