Al King | |
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Birth name | Alvin K. Smith |
Born | August 8, 1923 Monroe, Louisiana, U.S. |
Died | January 21, 1999 (aged 75) Oakland, California, U.S. |
Genres | Blues |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter |
Years active | 1950s–1990s |
Labels | Shirley, Sahara |
Alvin K. Smith (August 8, 1923 – January 21, 1999),[1] who performed and recorded as Al King, was an American blues singer and songwriter.[2]
King was born in Monroe, Louisiana.[1] After moving to Los Angeles he recorded for the Shirley and Sahara labels in the 1950s and 1960s, and had a number 36 US Billboard R&B chart hit in 1966 with "Think Twice Before You Speak".[3] Many of his records featured guitarist and bandleader Johnny Heartsman.[4] He also wrote songs under his real name, Smith, as in "On My Way", the B-side of his first single covering "Reconsider Baby" in 1964.[5][6]
King died in Oakland, California in January 1999 at the age of 75.[1]
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