Guitar Shorty (David William Kearney) started playing guitar when he was so young he had to lean it against the wall and play it like a bass. He is credited with influencing both Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy. Guitar Shorty played with Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, BB King, Guitar Slim and T-Bone Walker while still in his teens. Kearney played in bands through high school and at the age of 16 joined Ray Charles and his band for a year. At the age of 17 he recorded a single under the direction of Willie Dixon. Shorty started playing with Guitar Slim and moved to New Orleans. 1961 he met his wife, Marcia, got married and got Jimi Hendrix, Marcia's brother, for a brother-in-law. Guitar Shorty is considered a legend among bluesmen and has won numerous awards thoughout his 50 year career. In 2006 he won the Blues Music Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year for his album, "We The People". Enjoy his version of "Hey Joe" from the album, "Roll Over Baby" from 1998. Check out his! site: www.guitarshorty.com
