David William Kearney, known to blues enthusiasts as Guitar Shorty, is a celebrated American blues guitarist and singer whose career spans well over five decades. Born on September 8, 1939, in Houston, Texas, Shorty was immersed in the world of music at a young age, and his early exposure to the blues scene would come to deeply influence his work and style. Famed for his impassioned performances and skilled guitar playing, Guitar Shorty has been credited with influencing both Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy with his dynamic stage presence, including his trademark backflips and guitar-playing antics that mesmerized audiences.

Throughout his illustrious career, Guitar Shorty has released a string of albums that showcase his raw electric blues style and innovative guitar techniques. His most recent offerings like "The Alligator Records Years" highlight the best of his work during his time with the renowned blues label, Alligator Records. His recordings such as "Rare and Live" and "Shorty's Blue Notes" provide a window into the energetic live performances that have captivated fans around the world. Guitar Shorty's soulful renditions in "Billie Jean Blues," both the remastered and original versions, and his blues-laden takes on classics like "Purple Haze / Hey Joe" underscore his ability to infuse traditional blues with a contemporary and often rock-oriented sensibility. Guitar Shorty's influence on the blues genre remains palpable, as generations of guitarists look to his mastery of the instrument and performative prowess for inspiration.

Genres

Blues

Electric Blues

Modern Blues

Texas Blues

Related Artists

Buddy Guy

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Johnny Winter

Otis Rush

Albert King

Freddie King

Robert Cray

B.B. King

Muddy Waters

Albert Collins

Luther Allison

Magic Slim

Latest Release

Rare and Live

Guitar Shorty

Album - 12 Tracks - Released February 12, 2021