Albert Lee

Albert William Lee (born 21 December 1943) is an English guitarist known for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique. Lee has worked, both in the studio and on tour, with many famous musicians from a wide range of genres. He has also maintained a solo career and is a noted composer and musical director.

Early life Lee was born in Lingen, Herefordshire, but grew up in Blackheath, London, a member of a Romani family. His father was a musician, and Lee studied piano, taking up the instrument at age seven. During this time, Lee became a fan of Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. He took up guitar in 1958 when his parents bought him a second-hand Höfner President which he later traded in for a Czechoslovak Jolana Grazioso, the forerunner of the Futurama. Lee left school at the age of 16 to play full-time.

Career

Early career Lee was with a variety of bands from 1959 onwards, playing mostly R&B, country music and rock and roll. He was accompanying Richard Kneller (Dickie Pride) in the Castle Pub in Tooting the night Russ Conway saw him perform there, two weeks before taking Larry Parnes to see Pride. His early guitar influences included, in addition to Buddy Holly, Cliff...