ZZ Top On what they learned from Freddie King

"It's such an awe-inspiring moment. It's such a cool event," ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons says of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "We came to pay tribute to Freddie [King] on a number of levels and a number of reasons," he says. "We have a long standing history of, first of all, loving the music he was doing, and later, the surprise was getting to be friends and having him mentor and teach us a few things."
Interview by Patrick Doyle, video by Eric Helton
Related• Complete Coverage of the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony • Guns

[@bryandickens387]

Freddie king is probably the most underrated guitar player and singer of the blues genre. The two other kings , BB and Albert, got more notoriety but Freddie was a friggin monster of blues. He could sing with such power and passion and had more range in his guitar playing, but yet not as famous... It's a shame.

[@mikeblankenship7930]

I agree. There were so many blues artists that were/are amazing talents that never got the recognition and air time they deserved. I'm 63 and still discovering blues players I'd never heard of before.

[@joaniebarc6763]

Segregation has led to the great American failure.

[@carywest9256]

@@joaniebarc6763 Oh quit it, that is a dead issue in today's society. All you got to do is Google any damn thang you want to learn.PERIOD...

[@sammack1564]

Unfortunately he died before the blues revival of the 80's.

[@grantshenton7079]

Freddie was my favourite of the magi . Not only was he a killer guitarist ( only played neck pick up and used a thumb pick) but people never give him credit for what an amazing singer he was.Check out “little bluebird” and “Ain’t no sunshine” . Guy had got it all👍 Massive influence on Clapton/ Page/ Beck and the Stones .Mick called him out on his recent blues hour on Planet Rock. If you are not familiar with his work then you are in for a treat,start with “Going Down” and you won’t look back .

[@richardjean1933]

Now you kids go do your homework & listen to Freddie King "Gettin' Ready". This album will change your life!

[@rocka-billythekid5221]

I wish real teachers gave this kinda homework! Maybe then I'd be a good student...

[@marjoryrainey1988]

I'm getting goose bumps from hearing about this legend of a man!

[@Sldumas1983]

Freddie was a fearless player and he could do it with the best of the best, I love being a Texan Rip To Freddie King and I love the heck out of ZZ Top

[@mnkyuncl]

Class acts showing proper respect.

[@zemlidrakona2915]

I actually knew nothing about Freddie King until about a year ago, I cought a couple vids on KZbin and now I listen to him all the time. I wasn't really even into blues before. What strikes me is he's a great live performer. Sometimes there are guys that sound great on the record but put them on stage and it's nothing special. From what I've seen Freddie was actually better live than in the studio and that's kind of a rare thing.

[@marjoryrainey287]

Yes!!

[@sourmashreckless7553]

i didnt know dusty played with him as a teen!! learn something new every day!

[@kbroomall]

Interesting insight on Freddie as a tenacious band leader - I noticed his commanding presence after watching Going Down live for the 1st time. He was def. the front man in charge

[@bryanmannoia8410]

so what did they learn from Freddie? was it how to avoid a question? I imagine it was big collars, bigger licks, and a bad ass blues attitude. Freddie really was the king.

[@58gennaro]

one of my favorite bands and seemingly normal guys. just stand up there and play. no make up or prancing around.

[@tonewall1]

i LOVE freddy king and i want those damn sunglasses gibbons....

[@longhorn2615]

Watch out, their cheap!

[@freddiehubbard1460]

Anyone who hasn't seen Freddie King Live in Eutope 73/74 really should.

[@TheMafrand]

Dusty Hill gotta be the coolest name ever in rock n' roll.

[@patrice1345]

these guys are cool

[@robonez]

Coolest guys in the business!

[@sunking2001]

I saw Freddie King open for Grand Funk Railroad around '72 on the Phoenix Tour. Freddy was pretty good playing his tunes and his blues. It was sort of an odd mix having those two bands on the same bill. GFR was incredibly loud...one of the loudest concerts I've been to.

[@archerbowyer7704]

"Up all night with Freddie King, I got to tell ya poker's his thing"................. we're an American band

[@michaellucas3802]

Billy Gibbons blamin Freddy King for that Enjo Glove on his head?

[@michaellucas3802]

Oh shit, his mate's name is Dusty. 😂

[@0patience4flz]

This is watered down political correct speech...this aint the rocker mentality...

[@celticgodsoriginal]

cannot stand bonnamssa

[@peterlloyd5285]

Me too

[@TheArtofBlues]

Me 3! When he sleeps at night he knows what he’ll be remembered for. A good businessman but not the music. #whereAreTheRealMusicians

[@MojoWorkinBut]

Billy has worms on his head.

[@pdiddley7597]

Damn right they grovelled at his feet; Freddie was ten times the ballsier guitarist than him or Billy.

[@mcleanartists]

Paul Feldman Dusty is a bass player.

[@rollingstopp]

big fred and skinny bill