Saunders Samuel King, born on March 13, 1909, in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, was an influential American R&B and blues guitarist and singer. The son of Bishop Judge L. King and Sarah Anasilistine King, he was raised in a religious environment, learning to sing in church. The family moved from Louisiana to Texas and eventually settled in Oakland, California, where they established the Christ Holy Sanctified Church.

King's musical journey began with the piano, banjo, and ukulele, but it wasn't until 1938 that he picked up the guitar, which became his instrument of choice. Influenced by the jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, King developed a smooth and elegant style. In the late 1930s, he performed with the Southern Harmony Four Gospel Quartet on NBC radio.

In 1942, Saunders King released "S.K. Blues," a groundbreaking track featuring electric blues guitar, which became a nationwide hit. Known for his velvety voice, King recorded with notable labels such as Aladdin, Modern, and Rhythm Records. He achieved success with hits like "Empty Bedroom Blues" and "Stay Gone Blues" in 1949.

King married Jo Frances Willis in 1948, and they had two daughters, Kitsaun Jo King and Deborah Sara King. He continued performing in various venues and on NBC Radio until his retirement in 1961, after which he focused on his family and church activities. In 1973, his daughter Deborah married famed guitarist Carlos Santana, and King collaborated with Santana on the 1979 album "Oneness."

Saunders King passed away on August 31, 2000, in San Rafael, California, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in the blues genre.