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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZKING, Earl(b Solomon Johnson, 7 Feb. '34, New Orleans LA; d there 17 April 2003 of complications of diabetes) Guitarist and blues singer in the influential NO R&B scene; also played piano. Made R&B chart with 'Don't Take It So Hard' '55 on King, 'Always A First Time' '62 on Imperial; recorded with Professor Longhair '63-4; venerable local hits compiled on Let The Good Times Roll on Ace, New Orleans Rock'n'Roll on Sonet, Trick Bag on French EMI. Glazed '86 on Black Top (Rounder)/Demon saw him backed by Roomful of Blues, Roomful's guitarist Ronnie Earl trading licks with an 'engaging vocalist with an off-hand manner' playing 'incisive, less-is-more guitar [and] coming up with wild, unpredictable lyrics' (Jim Roberts in down beat). The album's title referred to Earl's office/hangout, a Tastee Doughnuts shop. His songs have been covered by others including Jimi Hendrix, whose 'Let The Good Times Roll' was a version of King's 'Come On'. Later albums were Sexual Telepathy with the Black Top All-Stars (with Ronnie Earl, Snooks Eaglin etc) and Hard River To Cross; New Orleans Street Talkin' came out in '97. |