Guitar Shorty
David William Kearney, known by his stage name Guitar Shorty, was a renowned American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter born on September 8, 1934, in either Houston, Texas, or Loughman, Florida. He passed away on April 20, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Guitar Shorty was celebrated for his explosive guitar style and dynamic stage performances, which influenced legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy.
Raised in Kissimmee, Florida, by his grandmother, Shorty began playing guitar at a young age, inspired by blues icons such as B.B. King, Guitar Slim, and T-Bone Walker. His uncle initially taught him to play, and his grandmother later hired a teacher due to his evident talent. At 17, he moved to Tampa, Florida, where he earned the nickname "Guitar Shorty" while performing with Walter Johnson's orchestra.
Shorty's career took off after recording his first single, "You Don't Treat Me Right," for Cobra Records in 1957, under the guidance of Willie Dixon. He went on to perform with notable artists such as Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and T-Bone Walker. His marriage to Marsha Hendrix, Jimi Hendrix's stepsister, further connected him to the music world, with Hendrix himself being a fan of Shorty's performances.
Throughout his career, Shorty released several acclaimed albums, including "Watch Your Back" and "We the People," both of which charted on the Billboard Top Blues Albums. His music was characterized by galvanizing guitar work and forceful vocals, earning him a reputation as one of the highest-energy blues entertainers. Despite challenges, including working as a mechanic during the 1970s and recovering from a serious auto accident in 1984, Shorty remained a dedicated musician until his passing in 2022. His legacy endures through his recordings and the influence he had on the blues and rock genres.
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