Marcus King | Crossroads Guitar Festival

Backstage at the 2019 Crossroads Guitar Festival, guitarist Marcus King gives us a closer look at his prototype Gibson Custom 1962 ES-345, talks about his live rig and shares how it feels to be playing Crossroads for the first time.
Keep up with the Marcus King Band, including their latest tour dates and release information at marcuskingband.com/.
Plus, check out our limited-edition Crossroads Guitar Collection www.guitarcenter.com/Crossroa... including the Gibson Custom Eric Clapton Crossroads 1964 Firebird, the Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Crossroads Blind Faith Telecaster, and more.

[@davidmilam9532]

I met Marcus about 7 yrs ago in Greenville SC. He was about 17-18 at the time. He and a few of his friends came into a vape shop, and one of his friends said " hey everybody, my friend Marcus is going to be a star" shortly after, they left out from the shop and by the time I was leaving he was outside the shop sitting on the sidewalk playing. He dead stopped me in my tracks as I was leaving knowing he was truly a star. I didn't realize at the time what I was witnessing but now I know, it was true brilliance.

[@christophersheridan7516]

This kid blew the doors off the place at the 2019 Crossroads festival. In a room full of the best guitarists in the world, he put on a masters class.

[@dimesnake]

He absolutely did.

[@ryank5761]

@@dimesnake I agree. No one was even close to him either night.

[@DavidSanchez-su5rq]

Really wish I woul dhave gone Friday too, heard he was amazing

[@wecandobetter9821]

I like some others never heard of this cat until seeing I’m Friday night at Crossroads. I’m inclined to agree he smokes it on guitar. I’ve always been a Duane Allman, Jeff Beck fan now I’m a Marcus King fan✌️✌️

[@eddando7427]

Can't wait for the bluray🎸

[@bmcpsd31]

“Blessed to be driven.” Don’t fool yourself kids. This man works his ass off to be what he is. Awesome!

[@Brian-rq8hi]

I like Marcus more every time I hear him play, sing or speak. Seems like an incredible guy.

[@BarbButler]

Same!!!💙💙💙💙💙

[@bluesmonkey4463]

Love Marcus King Band ! 25 years old and KICKS ARSE !

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I like this guy, I started playing in 1971, on a nylon string, I am still playing, and this young man inspires me with his genuine respect for the guitar.

[@shanetankey3340]

Man this young dude is switched on . I was an idiot at that age, and for years after . Marcus might be in his 20's but he got the old soul .

[@woodstoney]

He seems very thoughtful and well spoken...signs of good upbringing. Best to you young man!!

[@TheGman858]

Such a cool dude gifted, humble, driven and soulful all the ingredients needed for a legend

[@addicted2tone349]

He may be the best blues guitarist alive today.. That's a bold thing to say but this kid is the real deal and the entire package. His chops are just unbelievable. He says he's not a blues guitarist but I disagree, he epitomizes the blues. He's mixed country, blues and southern rock perfectly and don't get me started on his voice.. Yeah, he's all blues!

[@brandond1114]

Wow this guy is wise and humble beyond his years. A master of his craft. I’d love to see him live

[@michaelhaar3616]

Ummmju7 iij u moo u7 in hmih77biuut by try .hi by y6j. Giiiuhmu uh ii7uui

[@CraigNewellShow]

Marcus says he's lucky. That's not luck man! The skills that Marcus has come from passion for the music, practice, perseverance, and unrelenting focus that gave him the amazing talent that few in this life ever achieve. Marcus King inspires me to practice my guitar every day. I'm the one that got lucky by discovering him one night while watching some late-night TV show a few years ago where he was the musical guest at the end. I feel Marcus King is the greatest living guitarist on earth right now and a damn good singer that can hit any note like no one else can.

[@drasticbread249]

I got to see Marcus perform last year and was lucky enough to get to shake his hand and speak with him for a bit outside the venue when he just casually walked out as I was passing by earlier that evening.

[@finck2208]

Glad this showed up on my recommendations. Never heard of him before, now he has another fan!

[@johnderekmitchell1510]

Him and Billy Strings did an unreal set together. You won't be disappointed. Check out Billy and Molly Tuttle together as well.

[@cliffordamey4822]

This guy has his shit together in every way. I’d like to see him go far in music.

[@rs-xr3ty]

Still my favorite thing is finding and enjoying new great players that I've never seen before. Love this gentleman's playing in his overall demeanor

[@XLBiker13]

Marcis King is such a righteous dude. He's a cool and respectful as he is talented. Refreshing. He's the whole package.

[@blondelebanese9922]

I love his laid back style, love his music, love his voice. Yeah I’m a fan!

[@brucehaupers9817]

Young man has it all...Being as humble as he is...he did forget to say that you have to work at your craft..ALOT. He did, and it shows.

[@primateproductions126]

This kid has his head on right.. which just makes me enjoy his music even more.

[@blackout995]

What a humble and insightful guy. Reminds me a lot of Kingfish - two incredibly humble dudes that give a man goosebumps when their fingers hit the strings.

[@isaacjohnson.]

Love Marcus King! Amazing player, and just a cool cat. Saw him for the first time a while ago on Norm's channel, and he just blew me away. I've been a fan ever since, and am so happy to see his growing success. He deserves every bit of it, and he'll continue to be a great ambassador for guitar and is a great musician/songwriter.

[@plainuserid]

Saw Marcus for the first time about 6 months ago, and this guy blew the doors down. Absolutely one of the best players in the game right now! Good heart, good soul, and his humble confidence comes through in a very explosive, positive vibe!

[@saxonsteve]

Absolutely Love His Humble Attitude About His Approach To His Playing And Talking About His Style Of Music. He is Truly Gifted And Blessed From Above. He Gives Me A Lot Of Inspiration, Since I Am A Guitarist As Well. Hope To Be Able To Meet Him Someday And Tell Him Myself.

[@EvanJayREALTOR]

Respect, drive, tenacity. American legend!

[@fiveeyes2802]

I love how humble he is. A very good head on his shoulders. I’m impressed with him on many levels.

[@BarbButler]

Same!! 💙💙💙💙💙

[@benlogan430]

Hard work in the shed and dedication that is the key! All the luck in the world wouldn’t have mattered if he didn’t shred in the shed for years and years! Congratulations on the well earn success Mr. King!

[@jackhaugh]

Art is supposed to evoke an emotional response in people. Well said, young man. Thanks for sharing.

[@Acesandeightz]

Next generation.... much love youngster!! Carry the torch, the legends would be proud!!

[@georgesarris5556]

Love his sound and playing and cannot get enough of this great band atm

[@adamprice9390]

One of the best looking guitars I’ve ever seen based on a video. Incredible detail, I’d love to have a guitar like that of mine someday

[@oldpapawwithastrat9384]

Honor, dignity, blessed, respect, we do not hear these word or express them enough today. God Bless this young man

[@breakroommanager1]

Eloquent and an amazing talent! His hard work and passion show immensely and are starting to pay off. Congratulations Marcus.

[@goodun2974]

His grandpa always played through a super reverb? That must have been one hip granddad!

[@235buz]

That end table with the coffee cup on it is the coolest thing I've ever seen.

[@dillonhamrick2744]

3 full length albums & an EP & he’s just old enough to legally get into a lot of the places he plays. Pound for pound he’s the best player in the last 10 yrs (at least)of the blues/whatever genre

[@kentbeery8653]

I've been following him for a while now and I'm just very Happy for him that he got this exposure to play the Crossroads fest, i love his Attitude and of course his style. Long may he Run !

[@Atkinsfan]

What a gift to the music world he is.

[@blainecrawford7152]

really like him as a musician and a good guy,im impressed :)

[@Solelova67]

This guys a class act and super talented. He works hard to be

[@boomerdell]

I loved learning about how seriously Marcus King studies music -- he took a real academic approach to learning and understanding it -- and of course hard not to be inspired by how hard he works and how well it pays off for him. Wishing him all the success he can stand!

[@MAP448]

Tbh, I never really watched any of your playing until now. After hearing you talk about how much you appreciate the guitar & the people that came before us all, & then to hear you talk about respecting yourself & how you carry yourself. I am so impressed with what a wonderful warm & kind soul you are. I wish when I was younger that I would have respected myself & carried myself better. You are an inspiration in so much more than just music. I only wish I had done just that myself, but you are doing a great job man. Just keep on trucking! You Rock!

[@FIGGY65]

Matt, Your thoughts here are quite humble and well put;I too think similar things of myself at times, but it’s somewhat self defeating. Every day that we wake up we are blessed with a new day ( and obviously opportunities) to go out and do our best, and improve ourselves and the lives of those with whom we interact with on a daily basis: It could be holding a door for a total stranger or offering some encouraging words to a good friend or family member…But we have that power. And that power can be put into our own playing ( or whatever craft, hobby , or thing) to improve and enjoy it. It’s always about the enjoyment, and obviously some are so great that they can give enjoyment to the world like MK, but we can’t think less of ourselves either! I saw a podcast a few years ago and the combat veteran made a blanket statement about those that “thank him for his service” and he said, you can thank the veterans by being good citizens and being good to yourself and others….That’s what I fall back on when I’m having a bad moment and get down on myself. Just improve yourself as best you can everyday, and spread that around a little in your day….The world will always be a better place if we water our own lawn first! Sorry for the Red Badge of Encouragement, but your comments were timely for me this evening. Be well Brother, and play on!

[@stevenboyd593]

Gumbo King, you are blessed and so are we in the offering

[@josephtepe3625]

Get it man 👍. Super awesome to hear you jam the way you do. It’s a breath of fresh air having young, really good sounding musicians on the scene again.

[@SeanKL107]

"Gibson guitars and Fender amps go well together." Can confirm, been playing my SG through my Mustang for years.

[@geraldbrown2875]

I’ve loved the Markus King Band the first time I heard them, Marcus sings and plays like a old soul! I think after the exposure from playing at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival in Dallas Texas last weekend they are on their way to a long and successful career! After listening to this mature young man I think the guitar and blues are in good hands!👍🎸🇨🇦

[@chuckh8199]

saw Marcus at Briggs Farm on the back porch - blew me away - what a great talent - and a great kid

[@peterbrown2112]

Alright. From the first note that hit my ears, I was impressed. Then listening to covers of songs that I didn't even really care for being played with such just raw energy. Take your pick, he crushes them all. I became an instant fan. If you can call it a bright-side to this fucking pandemic, so be it. Truth is that I may have missed this great music otherwise. Too busy trying to get ahead and never slowing down to appreciate what's really important in life. I found myself, and music again. Funny. Didn't really know I was missing it. But happening upon this fine young gentlemen here was really what I needed. Talk about being pulled out of the doldrums, this did it. Anywhoo, the comments made at the end of this clip are to me very impressive. I don't know how old Marcus is, but no matter, I will always call him a kid, because I'm an old fart. But the respect he has and appreciation for what he is doing, following in footsteps of giants, and towing that line is so god-damned refreshing, it's hard to put into words. All I know is this. I sleep soundly at night now just knowing the future of music is in such capable hands. This boy can play, as well as belt out some powerful notes. I sure do hope I get a chance to see him live. Never thought I would be jamming out to an old Carpenter's tune! What the fuck!? AMAZING!!

[@rigfish-theguitarplayersge7342]

Damn. Love his rig - that guitar is something! - as much as his playing. And what a seemingly cool dude.

[@ericmuniz8741]

Well spoken, transparent, pleasant. God bless you!

[@petertrout8140]

You go Marcus. Straight from the heart.

[@cupolove1]

one of my favorite guitarists out there right now. He's also a REALLY good songwriter which is equal important. Would love to see a kingfish collaboration

[@totaldramalindsey]

They are boys. I'm pretty sure that's happened, but it definitely needs to happen more!

[@WoodyandAsh]

There is a video somewhere of Kingfish and Marcus playing with Buddy Guy.

[@6StringPsychedelic]

Just discovered this kid over the weekend, awesome player and very humble. Refreshing to see and hear’!

[@crissyphillips5137]

I love this band!!! So glad I got to see them!! They will be around for along time!!

[@zackwhite1]

This guy sings and plays so soulfully, it just blows me away.

Super cool!! Dig the GuiTAR!! And Marcus for sharing!

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Fantastic musician...keep rockin Marcus

[@kailuakidd1512]

The young man has incredible talent and character. Thank you

[@Beatles123ful]

Awesome player love his sound

[@longjaw-1]

Killer tone, great player, top singer too.

[@SirGeorgeButtox]

This dude can really play! But what I really love about him is that he calls other guitarists "cats"

[@russjalichandra5491]

One thing we can say for sure, future of blues is in good hands.

[@robertjaugustjr]

Love Marcus!

[@davidjohnston9385]

So talented and humble.

[@lisabowden1679]

Heard of him in rolling Stone magazine..I'm hooked!

[@digitalsketchguy]

Humility & talent is a very nice mix

[@cynthiajohns6666]

im also diggin on that end table!

[@tomfusion7]

Killer no filler 🔥🔥🔥

[@lordoftheflyes3080]

What a nice young man and a great player

[@dubshockmedia1110]

He actually has the songs as well as the chops. Top man.

[@davidfriesen7748]

I Love your attitude !!

[@jgpie]

What a humble cool dude.

[@williampaisley826]

a true artist

[@JasonMcFly]

*gasp* He mentioned Fulltone in a GC video. Love this guy's vibe and playing

[@LuckyKoman7]

Always cool!😎👍🏻

[@jackieringersma7003]

Warm and fuzzy!

[@nancychace8619]

Nice interview.

[@ClassicK1rk]

They need to make this signature model. Saw Marcus in Jacksonville early this year. He was awesome ! 🤘🤠🤘

[@1telemaster]

K I R K Gibson Has that Marcus King ES-345 available I do believe

[@slartybartfast6526]

Very impressive young man.

[@emptypromises2962]

Marcus King is a beast! Amazing player, singer and songwriter. And his band is top notch.

[@notsofresh8563]

1:28 "Gibson guitars and fender amps just go well" as he looks over at the Marshall beside him........

[@kevinagee4364]

so?

[@kineticblues2766]

Notso Fresh _"ham and cheese."_

[@mikeheffernan265]

Marcus King is the truth. Holy dyin!

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

In a way he reminds me of srv. He's very no nonsense and honest and pulls from a lot of different places to play his version of the blues the way Stevie did. Not the same influences, but he did it kind of how Stevie did.

[@jimfinley2300]

WE MAKE OUR OWN LUCK YOU PAUED A LOT OF DUES TO GET WHERE YOURE AT HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION MUCH RESPECT SIR MARCUS🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

[@RoeShamBoe]

Marcus "The Real Deal" King

[@user-lo1vl9sg1r]

You're right man!

[@VoodooApex]

This kids coming up. Truly a great player. Be nice to see Joanne Shaw Taylor and Bart Walker get the rub too

[@lueysixty-six7300]

5:00 His philosophy is righteous! \m/😆\m/

[@wryturman228]

Slippin’ those altered chords in, I hear echoes of DC pickers I grew up with, Danny G & Roy B. You know who I’m talkin’ ‘bout, Mr. King...

[@wiltherebmusic3726]

I want his guitar.. when is Gibson releasing a Marcus King Model

[@1willywonker]

Guys Magic

[@tinman8014]

Stood about 2 yards in front of him at a tiny venue in Glasgow a few months ago and was very much aware I was in the presence of a master. Next time it’ll be a larger venue I suspect.

[@jeremytjones2599]

Same. He blew the doors off that theatre

[@justadaftscotslass]

I was blessed to see him at the Oran Mor and was up front with Marcus melting my face off. It was amazing!

[@garrickmorrison4346]

What a boy.

[@aarongaynor2002]

3:17 no marcus you are the cat who's making it cool again and bringing it back 😎

[@sueannajonesyzaguirre2825]

ES335 is what Alvin Lee played.

[@kineticblues2766]

his personality is cool asf. damn. 🙅‍♂️

[@someboomer5599]

Nice!

[@thesoulworks4258]

What's that black pedal that he stepped on for the more cooked lead sound?

[@jboughtin7522]

He is big talent. Seems pretty mature to. Saw his band open for Tedeschi Trucks band. Was never so disappointed to see a band stop playing.

[@leftystrat62]

come a little ways since those RED KEDS:)

[@maxcowell4260]

Thanks for the life lessons tod from breaking bad