Al King
Musical artist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alvin K. Smith (August 8, 1923 – January 21, 1999),[1] who performed and recorded as Al King, was an American blues singer and songwriter.[2]
Born
August 8, 1923
Alvin K. Smith
August 8, 1923
Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
DiedJanuary 21, 1999 (aged 75)
Oakland, California, U.S.
GenresBlues
OccupationsSinger, Songwriter
Al King | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alvin K. Smith August 8, 1923 Monroe, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | January 21, 1999 (aged 75) Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter |
| Years active | 1950s–1990s |
| Labels | Shirley, Sahara |
King was born in Monroe, Louisiana.[1] After moving to Los Angeles he recorded for the Shirley and Sahara labels in the 1950s and 1960s, and had a number 36 US Billboard R&B chart hit in 1966 with "Think Twice Before You Speak".[3] Many of his records featured guitarist and bandleader Johnny Heartsman.[4] He also wrote songs under his real name, Smith, as in "On My Way", the B-side of his first single covering "Reconsider Baby" in 1964.[5][6]
King died in Oakland, California in January 1999 at the age of 75.[1]
