Albert Collins
About Albert Collins
Albert Collins (1932–1993) was an influential American blues guitarist and singer, often known as “The Master of the Telecaster” and “The Iceman”. Born in Leona, Texas, Collins developed a distinctive style characterized by his use of minor tunings and his powerful guitar tone. He began his career in the 1950s, gaining regional popularity in Texas with his instrumental hit ‘Frosty’.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Collins signed with Alligator Records and released critically acclaimed albums such as ‘Ice Pickin’ (1978). His electrifying live performances and mastery of the blues earned him a Grammy Award (Best Blues Album) for Showdown! (1985) - a collaboration album with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland.
Collins’ influence has since reached generations of blues and rock musicians, and he remains a celebrated figure to this day.
What albums did Albert Collins release?
Albert Collins released nine studio albums: ‘The Cool Sound of Albert Collins’(1965), ‘Love Can Be Found Anywhere (Even in a Guitar)’ (1968), ‘Trash Talkin' (1969), ‘Frostbite’ (1978), ‘Ice Pickin' (1978) ‘Frozen Alive!’ (1981) ‘Don't Lose Your Cool’ (1983), ‘Cold Snap’ (1986), and ‘Iceman’ (1991).
What happened to Albert Collins?
On 24 November 1993, Collins died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a three-month battle with cancer. He was 61 years old.
Who did Albert Collins collaborate with?
Albert Collins collaborated with several iconic blues musicians throughout his career, including Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland on the Grammy Award-winning album ‘Showdown!’, guitarist Gary Moore on the album ‘Still Got the Blues’ (1990), and saxophonist A.C. Reed and drummer Casey Jones as part of his backing band, the Icebreakers.
Who was the female guitarist with Albert Collins?
The blues guitarist Debbie Davies frequently performed with Albert Collins as a part of his band, the Icebreakers, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She later had a successful solo career in the blues music scene.
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