Albert White

The Glue in the Music Maker Revue

Over the decades, the Music Maker Blues Revue has been an ace backing band for countless artists. And for the last two decades, Albert White has been, in many ways, the glue that holds the Revue together. He’s a killer rhythm guitarist — and a great soloist when asked to be. He makes everyone around him sound good.

Perhaps that’s why Albert’s own music remains unsung. But if you want to experience the power of it, you should begin with his first album for Music Maker, “Soul of the Blues,” where he’s joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Blues Hall of Famer Elvin Bishop.

As a teenager, Albert White began playing guitar in the late ‘50s with his legendary uncle, Piano Red, and his group Dr. Feelgood & the Interns. As Albert continued to improve, he wanted to play more and more. In high school, he had his own group and went out on the college circuit playing gigs. In ‘65, Piano Red recruited Albert to rejoin his group, where he stayed for seven years.

With the death of his uncle, Albert formed his own group and was booked by Hit Attractions out of Charlotte, North Carolina, once again playing the college circuit. During that time he recorded with Clarence Carter on the Peacock Records label and performed as a sideman with Ben E. King and Hank Ballard.

Since then, Albert has performed with Joe Tex, The Tams, Ray Charles and many other artists during his half-century as a blues and R&B musician.

Albert White was born December 1, 1942.

Top photo by Tim Duffy.