Earl King

Biography

Earl King, born Earl Silas Johnson IV on February 7, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, emerged as one of the most influential figures in the city’s vibrant R&B and blues scene. Raised by his mother after his father—a pianist—passed away in his infancy, King’s early musical exposure came from singing gospel in church. By age 15, he had picked up the guitar and began performing in local talent contests, quickly making a name for himself at legendary venues like the Dew Drop Inn. A pivotal moment came when he met his idol, Guitar Slim, whose style left a lasting mark on King’s approach to guitar and songwriting. When Guitar Slim was injured in 1954, King was asked to fill in for him on tour, an experience that cemented his reputation as a performer and led to regular gigs in New Orleans’ top clubs.

King’s recording career began in the early 1950s under the name Earl Johnson, but he soon adopted the stage name Earl King. He signed with Ace Records in 1955, scoring a hit with "Those Lonely, Lonely Nights" and establishing himself as a prolific songwriter. Over the next five decades, King wrote and recorded hundreds of songs, many of which became standards of New Orleans R&B, including "Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)," "Big Chief," and "Trick Bag." His music blended the syncopated rhythms and storytelling traditions of New Orleans with blues, R&B, and later, funk influences. King’s songs were covered by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and The Meters, ensuring his influence extended far beyond his hometown.

Despite health challenges later in life, King remained a vital force in New Orleans music until his death in 2003. His lyrical wit, inventive guitar work, and deep connection to the city’s musical heritage earned him a reputation as a "poet laureate" of New Orleans R&B. Today, his compositions are still performed at Mardi Gras and celebrated by musicians and fans alike for their enduring creativity and spirit.

Fun Facts

• Earl King once toured as Guitar Slim, impersonating his idol after Slim was injured, because their styles and appearance were so similar.
• His song "Big Chief" is a Mardi Gras staple, performed annually by New Orleans musicians and brass bands.
• King was known for his flamboyant stage presence, including an elaborate, upraised hairstyle.
• He was a prolific songwriter for other artists, penning hits for performers like Roland Stone and Jimmy Clanton.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Guitar Slim - King’s idol and primary stylistic influence; King filled in for Slim on tour after Slim’s car accident, directly shaping King’s performance and guitar style. (Touring with Guitar Slim’s band; stylistic influence on early recordings.) [Early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Professor Longhair - Collaborated on the classic Mardi Gras anthem "Big Chief"; Professor Longhair played piano and was credited as the performer, but King wrote, sang, and whistled on the track. ("Big Chief" (1964)) [1960s]
• Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) - Longtime friend and collaborator; Dr. John recorded King’s songs and performed with him live. (Live performances; Dr. John’s covers of King’s songs.) [1970s–2000s]
• The Meters - Recorded King’s song "Trick Bag" and worked with him on various New Orleans R&B projects. ("Trick Bag" (The Meters’ version)) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Jimi Hendrix - Covered King’s "Come On" (retitled "Let the Good Times Roll"), bringing King’s songwriting to a rock audience. ("Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)" on Hendrix’s "Electric Ladyland") [1968]
• Stevie Ray Vaughan - Recorded King’s "Come On (Part III)," showcasing King’s influence on blues-rock guitarists. ("Come On (Part III)" on Vaughan’s "Soul to Soul") [1985]
• Allen Toussaint - Frequently performed and recorded King’s songs, helping to keep them central to the New Orleans repertoire. (Remakes of "Big Chief" and other King compositions.) [1960s–2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Big Chief - Complete Version (Ultimate Mardi Gras)
2. Mother's Love (Street Parade)
3. Mama and Papa (Street Parade)
4. Let the Good Times Roll (Let the Good Times Roll)
5. Come On, Pt. 1 (Let the Good Times Roll)
6. Trick Bag (The Sonet Blues Story)
7. Street Parade (New Orleans Blues)
8. Those Lonely, Lonely Nights (Let the Good Times Roll)
9. Mother's Love (New Orleans Blues)
10. COME ON, PT. 1

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia