Biography
Albert Cummings is an American blues musician best known for his work with Blind Pig Records. His musical journey began at age twelve with the five-string banjo, fostering a love for bluegrass music. This early exposure to bluegrass, along with unspecified influences and teachers, laid the foundation for his later career in blues. In his late twenties, he formed the trio Swamp Yankee, releasing their independently produced album The Long Way in 1999. This led to performances on the Northeast blues circuit and participation in the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge in Memphis that same year.
Following the release of The Long Way, Cummings' career progressed significantly. He collaborated with Double Trouble, Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section, featuring bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton, on his self-released solo debut From the Heart in 2003. This recording marked Double Trouble's first project since Vaughan's death, with Reese Wynans also participating. He subsequently signed a multi-album deal with Blind Pig Records in 2004, releasing True to Yourself that same year with Shannon on bass. Further albums followed, including Working Man (2006), Feels So Good (a live album, 2008), No Regrets (2012), Someone Like You (2015), Believe (2020), Ten (2022), and Strong (2024), showcasing his evolving musical style and collaborations with various producers. He also released an instructional DVD, Working Man Blues Guitar, in 2011.
Cummings' musical style blends elements of blues and rock, as evidenced by the description of Ten as "the blues rocker's gone country," suggesting an evolution and exploration of diverse influences. His albums have achieved commercial success, with No Regrets reaching the top of the iTunes Blues Charts in the U.S., Canada, and France, and placing fifth on the Billboard blues chart. His career demonstrates a consistent output of recorded music, instructional materials, and live performances, establishing him as a significant figure in contemporary blues. His collaborations with renowned musicians and his consistent album releases solidify his lasting impact on the genre.
Fun Facts
- Cummings began playing the five-string banjo at age twelve.
- His album No Regrets debuted at number one on the iTunes Blues Charts in the U.S., Canada, and France.
- He collaborated with Double Trouble, Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section, on his debut solo album.
- He released an instructional DVD, Working Man Blues Guitar.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- No mentors or influences are explicitly named in the provided text.
Key Collaborators
- Tommy Shannon (bassist) - Played on and produced From the Heart and True to Yourself.
- Chris Layton (drummer) - Played on and produced From the Heart.
- Reese Wynans - Played on From the Heart.
- David Z - Produced Someone Like You.
- Jim Gaines - Produced Believe.
- Chuck Ainlay - Produced Ten.
- B.B. King - Played with Cummings (specifics of collaboration not detailed).
- Johnny Winter - Played with Cummings (specifics of collaboration not detailed).
- Buddy Guy - Played with Cummings (specifics of collaboration not detailed).
Artists Influenced
- No artists influenced by Cummings are explicitly named in the provided text.
Enhanced with AI analysis
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| True To Yourself | 2004-08-31 | Album |
| Working Man | 2006-07-18 | Album |
| Believe | 2020-02-14 | Album |
| Feel So Good: Albert Cummings Live | 2008-09-09 | Album |
| Strong | 2024-02-16 | Album |
| TEN | 2022-04-08 | Album |
| Blues Make Me Feel so Good: The Blind Pig Years | 2015-06-15 | Album |
| Someone Like You | 2015-07-24 | Album |
| No Regrets | 2012-08-28 | Album |
| From the Heart | 2001 | Album |
| Live at the '62 Center | 2017-12-05 | Album |
| TEN | 2022-04-08 | Album |
| Believe | 2020-02-14 | Album |
| No Regrets | 2012-08-28 | Album |
| No Regrets | 2012-08-28 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Lonely Bed (True To Yourself)
- Let Me Be (Working Man)
- Workin' Man Blues (Working Man)
- Red Rooster (Believe)
- Why Me - Live (Feel So Good: Albert Cummings Live)
- Emmylou (Strong)
- Hold On (Believe)
- Live Strong (Strong)
- Hoochie Coochie Man/Dixie Chicken Medley - Medley/Live (Feel So Good: Albert Cummings Live)
- Blues Makes Me Feel So Good (True To Yourself)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Albert Cummings has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2025 | 19:15 | no doubt | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |