Biography
Albert Lee, born December 21, 1943, in Lingen, Herefordshire, England, is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in modern music. Raised in Blackheath, London, in a Romani family, Lee began his musical journey on piano at age seven before switching to guitar in 1958, inspired by the likes of Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. He left school at sixteen to pursue music full-time, quickly establishing himself in the vibrant London scene of the 1960s, first gaining recognition with Chris Farlowe's Thunderbirds.
Lee's career blossomed as he joined the pioneering country-rock band Heads, Hands & Feet, where his lightning-fast hybrid picking and fingerstyle technique earned him the reputation of a 'guitar hero.' Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Lee became a sought-after collaborator, performing and recording with legends such as Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, and The Crickets. His versatility allowed him to traverse genres from R&B and rock to country, and he was instrumental in the Everly Brothers' 1983 reunion, serving as their musical director for over two decades. Lee's solo work and his leadership of the band Hogan's Heroes further cemented his legacy, and his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar remains iconic among guitarists.
Celebrated for his humility and musicianship, Lee has won numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award in 2002 for his contribution to 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown.' His influence extends across generations, and he continues to tour internationally, inspiring both peers and younger musicians with his unparalleled technique and dedication to the craft.
Fun Facts
- Albert Lee was instrumental in reuniting The Everly Brothers in 1983 and served as their musical director for over 20 years.
- He is known for his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar, designed specifically for his fast hybrid picking style.
- Lee won the Guitar Player magazine's 'Best Country Guitarist' award five consecutive times.
- Despite his virtuosity, Lee is renowned for his humility and for always serving the song rather than showcasing his technical skills.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Buddy Holly - Early musical inspiration; Lee admired Holly's songwriting and guitar work (Holly's recordings) [1950s-1960s]
- James Burton - Stylistic influence; Lee cites Burton's Telecaster technique as formative (Burton's work with Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley) [1950s-1960s]
- Jerry Reed - Influence on fingerstyle and hybrid picking (Reed's solo albums) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Eric Clapton - Touring and recording partner (Clapton's band (late 1970s), Crossroads Guitar Festival) [1979-1983, 2007, 2010]
- The Everly Brothers - Musical director and guitarist for reunion and tours (1983 reunion concert, tours) [1983-2003]
- Emmylou Harris - Band member (Hot Band), touring and recording (Luxury Liner (1977), Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town (1978)) [1976-1978]
- Heads, Hands & Feet - Founding member and lead guitarist (Heads, Hands & Feet albums) [1970-1973]
- Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - Touring and recording (Live performances, albums) [2000s]
- Hogan's Heroes - Band leader (Multiple albums, European tours) [1987-2015]
Artists Influenced
- Brad Paisley - Paisley has cited Lee's hybrid picking as a major influence on his own style (Paisley's guitar work) [2000s-present]
- Tommy Emmanuel - Collaborated and inspired by Lee's fingerstyle technique (Live performances, interviews) [1990s-present]
- Vince Gill - Toured with Lee in Australia; credits Lee as an inspiration (Gill's guitar work) [1988, ongoing]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gagged But Not Bound | 1987-01-01 | Album |
| Lay It Down | 2024-07-12 | Album |
| LIVE at the Prince of Wales Hotel 1988 | 2021-06-01 | Album |
| Road Runner | 2006-04-11 | Album |
| Tearing It Up | 2008-05-20 | Album |
| Heartbreak Hill | 2003 | Album |
| Speechless | 1986-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Foggy Mountain Breakdown (Earl Scruggs And Friends)
- Fun Ranch Boogie (Gagged But Not Bound)
- Lay Down Sally
- Born to Run
- Cluster Pluck (feat. James Burton, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, John Jorgenson, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner) (Play)
- Country Gentleman (Gagged But Not Bound)
- Promised Land
- Country Boy (Tearing It Up)
- Flowers Of Edinburgh (Gagged But Not Bound)
- Tiger Rag (Gagged But Not Bound)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
albert lee has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2025 | 20:36 | COUNTRY BOY | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |