Remembering Albert Collins

[rxmoore]

It was on this day in 1993 that Albert Collins, the Master of the Telecaster, left this Earth way too early at age 61.

One one of my favorite music memories is when I caught his act with an old friend at Rick's American Cafe, right across the street from Michigan State University.It was probably 1991 or 1992. He was an enormously talented guitarist and a great entertainer. He had a style that was as recognizable as any name. He was good.

Years later, my wife and I were at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the "Play it Loud" exhibition. I glanced around and there was Collins' battered Telecaster, bathed in light in a display case. I got a little chill and a rush of good memories. He was a part of the soundtrack of my life, the good and the bad. Some things stay with you and some fall away, and Albert Collins' blues was one of those things that I held on to.

 

[Big_Bend]

Thanks for the post!

Ya Albert Collins was amazing. I got to see him live one time here in Houston I believe at the old Rockefellers, late 80s. He was incredibly entertaining, the real deal, truly the master. Has it been almost 30 years since he left us? Wow I had no idea. He is missed.

 

[Cosmic Cowboy]

Had a knack for making that tele sing.

 

[elihu]

He was a bad, bad man…and I mean in a good way. Killer guitarist with a unique style.

I remember his interviews in Guitar Player well. He seemed like a regular guy who drove and fixed his own tour bus.

I miss him.

 

[bgmacaw]

I saw him in 1988 at the Cotton Club in Atlanta. Great show.

 

[57joonya]

Never got to see him, you guys are lucky . I’ve always liked his style . Did not realize he died in ‘93. Thought it was a little later .

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

He was one of the best. Hard to believe it's been almost 3 decades since his passing.

R.I.P.

 

[TeleRooo]

I was lucky enough to see him quite a few times at the FreshAir Tavern on Broadway Ave. up on Capitol Hill in Seattle in the early 70's. A lot of great Bluesman and their bands played there. Albert had like a 200ft. long coil cord and he would get off the stage walk through the crowd all the way to the front door, to play to and tease the Hookers on the street. He always played some great music and put on a great show. You just CAN'T go Wrong with a Tele!!! THE BLUES!!!

 

[rand z]

I saw him in the early '80's at Franklin & Marshall College.

The "Ice Man" was BAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!!

imo.

 

[Flaneur]

 

[Flaneur]

 

[Slip Kid]

He’s one of the few people I regret not getting to see. I had 2 chances circa 90/91. He played a theater near my college but it was a couple days after going home for the summer. The 2nd time I opted not to go because I was taking a night class. I really regret that one because Lonnie Mack was the opener. In hindsight I should’ve gone to that one. It was at a nightclub and would’ve been starting late.

 

[brookdalebill]

View attachment 1054529

Though I never met, or saw AC, I am a big fan.
I once got to play his Tele, circa 1985-86.
It was in the care of the late Danny Thorpe, who was employed by Clifford Antone (of Antone’s Home Of The Blues), and South Austin Music.
It was just on his workbench at SAM.
I asked if I could play it.
Danny gave me his “Don’t drop it” warning, and I played it (unplugged) for a moment.
Slim neck.
Great memory.
RIP, and thanks Albert, and Danny.

 

[RobRiggs]

One of my all time favorite blues men. He wasn’t called the Master of The Telecaster for nothing. His use of a capo and crazy alternate tunings was way ahead of its time.

 

[ping-ping-clicka]

Ice pickin' Albert Collin's could pick 'um up and put it down and that's a facts
R.I.P.

 

[posttoastie]

 

[Tricone]

Great stylist. One of my all time favorites. God bless his soul. May he Rest In Peace.

Two of the best. May they both RIP.

 

[loco gringo]

Brick baby!

 

[tcadam]

I saw Albert perform twice and was going to see him a third time, but his set was cancelled due to his illness. His "Frozen Alive" record was really my entry into Blues.

 

[ruger9]

One of my all time faves. Everybody talks about [Albert] King, but I always say "no man- COLLINS!!"

Two of my favorite players were heavily influenced by him, and I didn't even know it. Jonny Lang and Tab Benoit. I actually discovered AC through Jonny Lang.