Guitar Shorty – Blues in His Blood Guitar Shorty was born David William Kearney on September 8, 1939 in Houston, Texas and raised in Kissimmee, Florida by his grandmother. Guitar Shorty began playing guitar as a young boy, excited by the sounds of BB King, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker and Earl Hooker. His first lessons came from his uncle, but when it became clear that the youngster was serious about his music, his grandmother hired a tutor for him. After a move to Tampa when Guitar Junior was 17, he won a slot as a featured guitarist and vocalist in Walter Johnsons 18-piece orchestra. Being younger – and shorter – than the rest of the band, the club owner bestowed the name Guitar Shorty on him, and it stuck. After a particularly strong performance in Florida, the great Willie Dixon, who was in the audience, liked what Guitar Shorty was doing and got him in the studio. A few weeks later Guitar Shorty was in Chicago and, backed by Otis Rush on second guitar, he cut his first single, Irma Lee bw You Dont Treat Me Right, for Chicagos famed Cobra Records in 1957. After recording the Cobra single, Guitar Shortys fortunes continued to rise, as the great Ray Charles hired the young guitar slinger as a featured member of his road band. While touring Florida, Guitar Shorty met one of his idols-guitaristvocalist Guitar Slim. Guitar Slims manager offered Guitar Shorty the opening slot on the guitarists upcoming tour, and Guitar Shorty jumped at the chance, following his hero <b>…<b>
GUITAR SHORTY – "I’m Gonna Leave You!" from the CD "Watch Your Back" – Texas Blues Guitarist.
6 thoughts on “GUITAR SHORTY – "I’m Gonna Leave You!" from the CD "Watch Your Back" – Texas Blues Guitarist.”
Posted On in Blues Guitar with 6 Comments.
Yes, this is my favourite Guitar Shirty song. I have another to upload in about a week’s time, called "Black Cat Bone".
Happy Happy to you too, Sunny. Easy on the champaign. (*_*)
I love this song, which reminds me of my good time in Orlando where I heard the first time. I wish you and your family a happy, joyful, healthy, and peaceful year in the year 2012.
It is a little known fact that Guitar Shorty, whose real name is David William Kearney, was married to Jimi Hendrix’s step-sister, Marsha Hendrix. I don’t suppose you can hear the Hendrix influence at all, Rob?!?! roflol
He is a PLEASURE to watch at a Blues Festival. I have had that privilege.
You see, this is what bugs me about radio stations these days. This genre is something I’d listen to but I’ve never heard of him because radio stations are too busy playing Gaga ect. Reminds me of B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Thanks for sharing this Liz and all the best for 2012.
Hi Bruce,
I had never heard of him until I came here in 2002. My husband took me to the Blues Festival here in Saint Louis, and I saw him playing there. I just kept being drawn back to his stand. The man is amazing and I was hooked. This is one of my favourites in his repertoire. But I like all his work.
Happy New Year, Bruce. Keep those Winders on their toes.
Ive heard a lot about this guy but never heard him before. He plays great and just sounds awesome.
Its really cool hes playing a G&L which was Leo Fenders last company he owned.