Legendary blues artist Willie Earl King of Old Memphis, Alabama died today - Sunday - of a massive heart attack.
King was a key sponsor of the Freedom Fest Blues Fest in Old Memphis.
It draws a few thousand fans from around the world every year.
King recorded several cd's and performed across the region.
He was heavily involved with the Alabama Blues Project (http://www.alabamablues.org/newsandmedia.htm) and was named the Aliceville Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen for 2008.
Here's the latest from King's website:
On Sunday, March 8, 2009 the outstanding Alabama blues musician Willie King passed away near his home in Old Memphis, Alabama, following a massive heart attack.
His career started on a plantation with a one-string, homemade diddly-bo. Six recordings and a DVD later, along with numerous national and international festival performances, Willie King has gained a substantial national and international reputation.
Ever since he first heard a blues musician play at this grandmother’s juke joint over sixty years ago, Willie King has been consumedby the blues. His life story is about great music but equally it is about care, interest and concern for the community he grew up in - King's own definition of the "blues life."
The loss of this great blues man will be felt by fans and musicians all over the world who have been touched by his unique juke joint blues and uplifting message of peace, love and social justice.
http://www.alabamablues.org/Willie%20King/WillieKingIndex.htm
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fd4R9rvV4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnuMv9iZWjo
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