The Three Kings

Bio

The Three Kings pay tribute to BB King, Albert King and Freddie King.

Well, it was blatantly obvious from the get-go that, as a kid, Alligator Recording Artist D.K. Harrell studied all of BB Kings licks and moves and wanted to follow in The King’s path. He even resembles BB on stage with the way he conducts himself, holds his guitar, his facial expressions, mannerisms, and certainly his playing style. Harrell recalls the time he met The King, “It was January 2013 at The Baton Rouge River Center Theatre. My Mom took me and we sat in the Orchestra pit, Row S.” D.K. laughs and says, “I had my hair ‘conked’ just like BB wore his back in 1955.” After the show, D.K. went up to the stage to try and speak with Mr. King. He hollered for BB and the Blues Legend came over to the side of the stage, extended his hand, and the two shook hands and BB gave D.K. a pick. D.K. told BB he wanted to be just like him and BB told D.K. he had spotted him in the audience and gave the young D.K. a piece of advice. He said, “Be the Best You, that You can be!” The young guitarist was in awe and broke down in tears of joy before leaving the theatre, not knowing at the time that in just 5 years he would be holding and playing Lucille at the BB King Symposium in Indianola, MS. D.K. believes that BB played Blues that Everyone could relate to—even young kids.

Alligator Recording Artist Chris Cain has always been fond of BB saying, “My greatest influence when I first picked up the guitar was BB King.” He goes on to tell a story of how the friendship between the legendary blues artist Albert King and himself began on a night that The Chris Cain Band opened for Albert King at JJ’s in San Jose, Ca. Albert invited Chris up to the stage to play guitar with his band and was impressed with Cain’s unique guitar riffs and sound. Albert would surprise Chris by coming to his shows whenever Cain and his band played in Memphis and he was around. In fact, one time while playing the Memphis in May Festival Chris had just ended a song when the audience roared louder than ever. Chris couldn’t figure out what it was about the song they liked so much, but he then smelled pipe smoke, turned around, and there was Albert King sitting on the amp behind him smoking his pipe and smilin’. There was a genuine fondness between the two. The conversations over beers with this Blues Giant left a lifelong impression and love for Albert King on the young Chris Cain.

Gulf Coast Recording Artist Albert Castiglia says, “When I was in high school Eric Clapton was my guitar hero.  I listened to everything he put out—Cream, Derek & The Dominos, Blind Faith, his solo stuff, everything. I also read nearly every article and interview he did in those days of my youth. Freddie King’s name came up in most of Clapton’s interviews. At around 17 years old I bought the posthumous Freddie King release Freddie King 1934-1976. Soon after that I bought and listened to his catalogue in reverse; starting with his latter releases with Shelter Records all the way through his Cotillion Records releases to his first recordings on the King Records subsidiary label, Federal. You can’t go wrong no matter which direction you go. Freddie’s guitar attack and phrasing, along with his beautiful vocals made him a hero in my eyes. So powerful, such a force of nature he was. He is my King of the Blues!” Albert plays now on a regular basis with Freddie King’s original Keyboard and Organ player, Lewis Stephens, in one of his other projects—the very popular Blood Brothers band. Funny how things work out.

So, with all that said, It just seemed like a No Brainer to get these 3 on stage together. Three of the nicest, most talented guys you will ever meet, doing what comes naturally, playing their guitars, letting their chemistry take over and filling venues with the Pure Joy of The Three Kings.  No Egos! All three artists are lethal in their own right, but combine the three of them together to pay tribute to BB, Albert, and Freddie and you’re really cookin’ up some tasty musical Gumbo! Lots of star power and a ton of fun!

The Three Kings look to deliver a blazing show chocked full of wicked guitar licks and fan favorites, but also a few more obscure, hidden gems that they each love to play. The backing band consists of Bass, Drums, Keys, Sax, and Trumpet and it’s gonna make you want to get up out of your seat and shake your thang!  The Three Kings are sure to be the talk of upcoming summer festivals around the World. Be on the look out for ‘em and expect Albert Castiglia, Chris Cain, and D.K. Harrell to Play the Blues for You!