Lonnie Mack

• Genre: Texas Blues
• Hometown: Harrison

About

Lonnie Mack's locomotive, whammy-crazed guitar has been a genre-transcending musical treasure since his rambling instrumental version of "Memphis" was released back in 1963. After buying one of the first Gibson Flying V's ever made, Mack honed his craft as a session-man for such big names as James Brown and Freddie King. He went on to release the single "Memphis" and a series of critically praised but commercially unsuccessful records featuring his monstrous guitar capabilities and a countrified, grizzly vocal style. The Mack's guitar playing is a dynamic mixture of bluesy soul, Rockabilly stomp and blazing, barely-in-control speed, and it certainly influenced Stevie Ray Vaughan's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink showmanship. Just about every student of the guitar has heard his name; unfortunately few are familiar with his generation-spanning influence.

- Mike McGuirk