Jump to content

Eric Gales: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
+pic
→Discography: Fixed Format.
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
(34 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American guitarist (born 1974)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Distinguish|Eric Gale}}
{{Distinguish|Eric Gale}}
Line 13: Line 14:
| death_date =
| death_date =
| instrument = Guitar
| instrument = Guitar
| genre = [[Blues rock]], [[hard rock]], [[blues]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
| genre = [[Blues rock]], [[hard rock]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
| occupation = Musician
| occupation = Musician
| years_active = 1990–present
| years_active = 1990–present
| label = Cleopatra Blues (a division of [[Cleopatra Records|Cleopatra]]), [[Elektra Records|Elektra]], [[House of Blues]], [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[Shrapnel Records|Shrapnel]], [[Blues Bureau International]], [[Provogue Records|Provogue]]
| label = Cleopatra Blues (a division of [[Cleopatra Records|Cleopatra]]), [[Elektra Records|Elektra]], [[House of Blues]], [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[Shrapnel Records|Shrapnel]], [[Blues Bureau International]], [[Provogue Records|Provogue]]
| spouse = LaDonna Gales<ref name="Guitar.com 2020">{{cite web |last=Seah |first=Daniel |title=Musicians rally in support of Eric Gales, who has been hit with COVID-19 |website=Guitar.com |date=October 13, 2020 |url=https://guitar.com/news/music-news/blues-musicians-rally-in-support-of-eric-gales/ |access-date=February 14, 2024}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|ericgalesband.com}}
| website = {{URL|ericgalesband.com}}
}}
}}
'''Eric Gales''' (born October 29, 1974), also known as '''Raw Dawg''', is an American [[blues rock]] guitarist, originally hailed as a [[child prodigy]]. {{As of|2019}}, Gales has recorded eighteen albums for major record labels and has done [[session musician|session]] and tribute work. He has also contributed vocals on several records by the Memphis [[Rap music|rap]] groups [[Prophet Entertainment|Prophet Posse]] and [[Three 6 Mafia]] under the name Lil E.
'''Eric Gales''' (born October 29, 1974), also known as '''Raw Dawg''', is an American [[blues rock]] guitarist, originally hailed as a [[child prodigy]]. {{As of|2022}}, Gales has recorded nineteen albums for major record labels and has done [[session musician|session]] and tribute work. He has also contributed vocals on several records by the Memphis [[Rap music|rap]] groups [[Prophet Entertainment|Prophet Posse]] and [[Three 6 Mafia]] under the names '''Lil E''' and '''Mack E'''.


==Career==
==Career==
Gales picked up the guitar at age four. His older siblings, Eugene and Manuel ([[Little Jimmy King]]), taught him songs and licks when he was young, in the style of [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Albert King]], [[B.B. King]] and others. In 1985, the young Gales began to play at blues competitions with his brother Eugene backing him on [[bass guitar|bass]]. Although Gales plays a right-handed guitar "upside-down" (with the bass E string on the bottom), he is not naturally left-handed; he was taught by his brother, who is left-handed, and never second-guessed the untraditional technique.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://personal.mco.bellsouth.net/m/u/murf01/e-gale/e-gale2.htm |title=Eric Gales and the Gales Brothers |website=Personal.mco.bellsouth.net |access-date=March 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220083522/http://personal.mco.bellsouth.net/m/u/murf01/e-gale/e-gale2.htm |archive-date=February 20, 2012 }}</ref>
Gales picked up the guitar at age four. His older siblings, Eugene and Manuel ([[Little Jimmy King]]), taught him songs and licks when he was young, in the style of [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Albert King]], [[B.B. King]] and others. In 1985, the young Gales began to play at blues competitions with his brother Eugene backing him on [[bass guitar|bass]]. Although Gales plays a right-handed guitar "upside-down" (with the bass E string on the bottom), he is not naturally left-handed; he was taught by his brother, who is left-handed, and never second-guessed the nontraditional technique.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://personal.mco.bellsouth.net/m/u/murf01/e-gale/e-gale2.htm |title=Eric Gales and the Gales Brothers |website=Personal.mco.bellsouth.net |access-date=March 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220083522/http://personal.mco.bellsouth.net/m/u/murf01/e-gale/e-gale2.htm |archive-date=February 20, 2012 }}</ref>


In late 1990, Eric and Eugene Gales signed with [[Elektra Records]], and together with the drummer Hubert Crawford released ''The Eric Gales Band'' (1991) and ''Picture of a Thousand Faces'' (1993). ''Guitar World'' magazine's Reader's Poll named Eric the "Best New Talent", in 1991. During this time he had two rock radio hits, "Sign of the Storm" (number 9, U.S. [[Mainstream Rock Tracks chart|Mainstream Rock]]) and "Paralyzed" (number 31, U.S. Mainstream Rock)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eric-gales-mn0000626332/awards |title=Eric Gales – Awards |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref> and had spots on television programs such as ''[[Arsenio Hall|The Arsenio Hall Show]]''.
In late 1990, Eric and Eugene Gales signed with [[Elektra Records]], and together with the drummer Hubert Crawford released ''The Eric Gales Band'' (1991) and ''Picture of a Thousand Faces'' (1993). ''Guitar World'' magazine's Reader's Poll named Eric the "Best New Talent", in 1991. During this time he had two rock radio hits, "Sign of the Storm" (number 9, U.S. [[Mainstream Rock Tracks chart|Mainstream Rock]]) and "Paralyzed" (number 31, U.S. Mainstream Rock)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eric-gales-mn0000626332/awards |title=Eric Gales – Awards |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref> and had spots on television programs such as ''[[Arsenio Hall|The Arsenio Hall Show]]''.


In 1994, Gales performed with [[Carlos Santana]] at [[Woodstock '94]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JGzf6Dk17k |title=Eric Gales and Santana Live at Woodstock 94 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref> In 1995, Gales teamed up with both of his brothers to record an album, ''Left Hand Brand'' (released in 1996), as the Gales Brothers.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p94014/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Little Jimmy King|author=Skelly, Richard|publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 19, 2011}}</ref> In 2001 Gales released his album ''That's What I Am'' on [[MCA Records]].
In 1994, Gales performed with [[Carlos Santana]] at [[Woodstock '94]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JGzf6Dk17k | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210230635/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JGzf6Dk17k| archive-date=2017-02-10 | url-status=dead|title=Eric Gales and Santana Live at Woodstock 94 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref> In 1995, Gales teamed up with both of his brothers to record an album, ''Left Hand Brand'' (released in 1996), as the Gales Brothers.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p94014/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Little Jimmy King|author=Skelly, Richard|publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 19, 2011}}</ref> In 2001 Gales released his album ''That's What I Am'' on [[MCA Records]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=ERIC GALES "That's What I Am" |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2001/04/13/eric-gales-thats-what-i-am/6e0c5f2c-01d3-43b5-afd2-5f4f655738f9/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>


Gales has released the albums ''Crystal Vision'', ''The Psychedelic Underground'', ''The Story of My Life'' and ''Layin' Down the Blues'' on the [[Shrapnel Records]] label. ''Relentless'' (2010) was followed by ''Transformation'' (2011) and ''Live'' (2012).
Gales has released the albums ''Crystal Vision'', ''The Psychedelic Underground'', ''The Story of My Life'' and ''Layin' Down the Blues'' on the [[Shrapnel Records]] label. ''Relentless'' (2010) was followed by ''Transformation'' (2011) and ''Live'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eric Gales |url=https://www.shrapnelrecords.com/artist/eric-gales |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Shrapnel Label Group, Inc |language=en}}</ref>


In 2004, he contributed a cover of "May This Be Love" to the album ''[[Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix]]''. In 2008, he and other guitarists participated in the touring tribute to [[Jimi Hendrix]], ''Experience Hendrix''. The touring group of musicians included [[Billy Cox]], [[Eric Johnson (guitarist, born 1954)|Eric Johnson]], [[Chris Layton]], [[Doyle Bramhall II]], [[Brad Whitford]] and [[Mitch Mitchell]] (it was the last tour that Mitchell played on).
In 2004, he contributed a cover of "May This Be Love" to the album ''[[Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Rod Brakes |date=2022-04-19 |title=Watch a 14-Year-Old Eric Gales Destroying the Competition During a Battle of the Bands Contest in 1989 |url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/watch-a-14-year-old-eric-gales-destroying-the-competition-during-a-battle-of-the-bands-contest-in-1989 |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Guitar Player |language=en}}</ref> In 2008, he and other guitarists participated in the touring tribute to [[Jimi Hendrix]], ''Experience Hendrix''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chinen |first=Nate |date=2008-10-22 |title=Move Over, Rover. Let Jimi Take Over. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/arts/music/23hend.html |access-date=2023-10-05 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The touring group of musicians included [[Billy Cox]], [[Eric Johnson (guitarist, born 1954)|Eric Johnson]], [[Chris Layton]], [[Doyle Bramhall II]], [[Brad Whitford]] and [[Mitch Mitchell]] (it was the last tour that Mitchell played on).


In the winter of 2010, Gales returned to the touring circuit in Europe with [[TM Stevens]] on bass guitar and [[Keith LeBlanc]] on drums. The tour was billed as ''VooDoo Chile'' and featured works of Jimi Hendrix as well as original material from both Gales and Stevens.
In the winter of 2010, Gales returned to the touring circuit in Europe with [[TM Stevens]] on bass guitar and [[Keith LeBlanc]] on drums. The tour was billed as ''VooDoo Chile'' and featured works of Jimi Hendrix as well as original material from both Gales and Stevens.


In February 2013, [[Magna Carta Records]] released the album ''Pinnick Gales Pridgen,'' produced by Mike Varney and featuring Gales on guitar and vocals, [[Doug Pinnick]] on bass and vocals, and [[Thomas Pridgen]] on drums. The 13-track album featured one [[Cover version|cover]] song, "[[Sunshine of Your Love]]", originally by [[Cream (band)|Cream]], one short instrumental based on [[Ludwig van Beethoven]]'s "[[Für Elise]]", and the remaining songs written by some combination of Pinnick, Gales, Pridgen and Varney. The follow-up album, ''PGP2'', was released in July 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://magnacarta.net/pinnickgalespridgen/index.html |title=Pinnick Gales Pridgen |website=Magnacarta.net |access-date=December 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225163240/http://magnacarta.net/pinnickgalespridgen/index.html |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In February 2013, [[Magna Carta Records]] released the album ''Pinnick Gales Pridgen,'' produced by Mike Varney and featuring Gales on guitar and vocals, [[Doug Pinnick]] on bass and vocals, and [[Thomas Pridgen]] on drums. The 13-track album featured one [[Cover version|cover]] song, "[[Sunshine of Your Love]]", originally by [[Cream (band)|Cream]], one short instrumental based on [[Ludwig van Beethoven]]'s "[[Für Elise]]", and the remaining songs written by some combination of Pinnick, Gales, Pridgen and Varney.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview: Eric Gales & Doug Pinnick - Gospel Grooves & Abnormal Blues - Premier Guitar |url=https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/interview-eric-gales-doug-pinnick-gospel-grooves-abnormal-blues |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=www.premierguitar.com |language=en}}</ref> The follow-up album, ''PGP2'', was released in July 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://magnacarta.net/pinnickgalespridgen/index.html |title=Pinnick Gales Pridgen |website=Magnacarta.net |access-date=December 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225163240/http://magnacarta.net/pinnickgalespridgen/index.html |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In 2017, Gales released his fifteenth studio effort, ''Middle of the Road'', featuring numerous artists, including [[Gary Clark Jr.]], [[Lauryn Hill]] and others, as well as his own brother and mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanbluesscene.com/eric-gales-back-making-second-chance-cc/|title=Eric Gales Is Back, Making the Most of a Second Chance - American Blues Scene|first=Barry|last=Kerzner|date=March 22, 2017|website=Americanbluesscene.com|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-return-of-eric-gales-the-guitarist-who-could-be-king|title=The return of Eric Gales, the guitarist who could be king|website=Louderthansound.com|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> The album became his first to chart on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s Top Blues Album chart, peaking at No. 4, and Gales' next album, ''The Bookends'', topped the chart at No. 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/eric-gales/chart-history/blues-albums|title=Eric Gales : Chart History|website=Billboard.com|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> On May 9, 2019, he won the [[Blues Music Award]] for 'Blues Rock Artist of the Year'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antimusic.com/news/19/May/102019_Blues_Music_Awards_Winners_Announced.shtml|title=2019 Blues Music Awards Winners Announced|website=Antimusic.com|access-date=May 11, 2019}}</ref> In his acceptance speech, he said he was celebrating three years of sobriety.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blues.org/40th-blues-music-award-nominations-announced/|title=40TH BLUES MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED|date=January 7, 2019|website=Blues.org|access-date=May 11, 2019}}</ref> In May 2020, Gales won his second consecutive Blues Music Award as the 'Blues Rock Artist of the Year'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blues.org/blues-music-awards/|title=BLUES MUSIC AWARDS|first=Robin|last=McKay|website=Blues.org|access-date=May 4, 2020}}</ref>
In 2017, Gales released his fifteenth studio effort, ''Middle of the Road'', featuring numerous artists, including [[Gary Clark Jr.]], [[Lauryn Hill]] and others, as well as his own brother and mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanbluesscene.com/eric-gales-back-making-second-chance-cc/|title=Eric Gales Is Back, Making the Most of a Second Chance - American Blues Scene|first=Barry|last=Kerzner|date=March 22, 2017|website=Americanbluesscene.com|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-return-of-eric-gales-the-guitarist-who-could-be-king|title=The return of Eric Gales, the guitarist who could be king|website=Louderthansound.com|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> The album became his first to chart on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s Top Blues Album chart, peaking at No. 4, while Gales' following album, ''The Bookends'', topped the chart at No. 1.<ref name=Billboard>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/eric-gales/chart-history/blu/|title=Eric Gales : Chart History|website=Billboard.com|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> On May 9, 2019, he won the [[Blues Music Award]] for 'Blues Rock Artist of the Year'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antimusic.com/news/19/May/102019_Blues_Music_Awards_Winners_Announced.shtml|title=2019 Blues Music Awards Winners Announced|website=Antimusic.com|access-date=May 11, 2019}}</ref> In his acceptance speech, he said he was celebrating three years of sobriety.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blues.org/40th-blues-music-award-nominations-announced/|title=40TH BLUES MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED|date=January 7, 2019|website=Blues.org|access-date=May 11, 2019}}</ref> In May 2020, Gales won his second consecutive Blues Music Award as the 'Blues Rock Artist of the Year'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blues.org/blues-music-awards/|title=BLUES MUSIC AWARDS|first=Robin|last=McKay|website=Blues.org|access-date=May 4, 2020}}</ref>

On October 21, 2021, Gales released the single "I Want My Crown," featuring [[Joe Bonamassa]]. The song serves as the lead single from his upcoming album ''Crown.'' Produced by Bonamassa and [[Josh Smith (musician)|Josh Smith]], the album was released on January 28, 2022. The album highlights Gales' "struggles with substance abuse, his hopes about a new era of sobriety and unbridled creativity, and his personal reflections on racism."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Owen |first1=Matt |title=Eric Gales trades guitar solo blows with Joe Bonamassa in dueling new single, I Want My Crown |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/eric-gales-crown |website=Guitar World |date=October 21, 2021 |access-date=14 December 2021}}</ref> Upon release, it debuted at No. 1 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' Blues Album chart, his second to do so.<ref name=Billboard></ref> It also garnered Gales his first [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album|Best Contemporary Blues Album]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Owen |first1=Matt |title=Ozzy Osbourne, Muse, Megadeth, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Gales, Bonnie Raitt and Wet Leg nominated for 2023 Grammys |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/grammys-2023-nominations |website=Guitar World |date=November 16, 2022 |publisher=Guitar World Magazine |access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
[[File:Eric Gales performing in 2006.jpg|thumb|Gales in 2006]]
[[File:Eric Gales performing in 2006.jpg|thumb|Gales in 2006]]

=== Solo Albums ===

*1991: ''The Eric Gales Band'' ([[Elektra Records]])
*1991: ''The Eric Gales Band'' ([[Elektra Records]])
*1993: ''Picture of a Thousand Faces'' ([[Elektra Records]])
*1993: ''Picture of a Thousand Faces'' ([[Elektra Records]])
*1994: ''Process of Elimination ((Sony Music))
*1995: ''Lil E – Playa for Life'' (underground tape, produced by Blackout)
*1996: The Gales Brothers: ''Left Hand Brand'' ([[House of Blues]] Records)
*1996: The Gales Brothers: ''Left Hand Brand'' ([[House of Blues]] Records)
*2001: ''That's What I Am'' ([[MCA Records]])
*2001: ''That's What I Am'' ([[MCA Records]])
Line 60: Line 65:
*2017: ''Middle of the Road'' (Provogue/Mascot)
*2017: ''Middle of the Road'' (Provogue/Mascot)
*2019: ''The Bookends'' (Provogue/Mascot)
*2019: ''The Bookends'' (Provogue/Mascot)
*2022: ''Crown'' (Provogue/Mascot)

=== As Session Musician ===


Gales also performed on the following albums:
*1994: ''L.A. Blues Authority: Cream of the Crop''
*1994: ''L.A. Blues Authority: Cream of the Crop''
*1994: ''Hard Love: 14 Original Metal Ballads''
*1994: ''Hard Love: 14 Original Metal Ballads''
Line 81: Line 88:
*2003: ''Highway 60's 70's Blues Revisited''
*2003: ''Highway 60's 70's Blues Revisited''
*2003: ''Got Blues!''
*2003: ''Got Blues!''
*2003: ''Wall of Soul: Lance Lopez''
*2003: ''Wall of Soul'': [[Lance Lopez]]
*2003: ''Gangsta Boo – Enquiring Minds II: The Soap Opera'', on the song "Let Me Get That Off You Feat. Lil E" (R2 Entertainment)
*2004: ''Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix''
*2004: ''Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix''
*2004: ''T-Rock & Area 51 – Slang & Serve Mixtape'', on the song "Gangsta Boo – Hit U Wit Drumma Feat. Drumma Boy, Lil E & T-Rock" (Rock Solid Music)
*2005: ''Show You a Good Time''
*2005: ''Show You a Good Time''
*2005: ''Rock Revisited''
*2005: ''Rock Revisited''
Line 100: Line 105:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.ericgalesband.com Eric Gales Band official website]
*[https://www.ericgales.com Eric Gales official website]
*[http://www.shrapnelrecords.com Shrapnel Records official website]
*[http://www.shrapnelrecords.com Shrapnel Records official website]


Line 107: Line 112:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gales, Eric}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gales, Eric}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
⚫
[[Category:20th-century American guitarists]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century American guitarists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Prophet Entertainment]]
[[Category:Prophet Entertainment]]
[[Category:African-American guitarists]]
[[Category:African-American guitarists]]
[[Category:African-American rock musicians]]
[[Category:African-American rock musicians]]
[[Category:African-American singers]]
[[Category:American blues guitarists]]
[[Category:American blues guitarists]]
[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:American child musicians]]
[[Category:American child musicians]]
[[Category:American rock guitarists]]
[[Category:American rock guitarists]]
[[Category:People from Memphis, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Musicians from Memphis, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Singers from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Singers from Tennessee]]
⚫
[[Category:20th-century American guitarists]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century American guitarists]]
[[Category:Guitarists from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Guitarists from Tennessee]]
[[Category:21st-century American singers]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American people]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American people]]
[[Category:21st-century American male singers]]
[[Category:Provogue Records artists]]

Revision as of 12:13, 22 June 2024

Not to be confused with Eric Gale.
Eric Gales
Gales performing in 2011
Gales performing in 2011
Background information
Also known asRaw Dawg
Born (1974-10-29) October 29, 1974 (age 50)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
GenresBlues rock, hard rock, heavy metal
OccupationMusician
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1990–present
LabelsCleopatra Blues (a division of Cleopatra), Elektra, House of Blues, MCA, Shrapnel, Blues Bureau International, Provogue
SpouseLaDonna Gales[1]
Websiteericgalesband.com

Eric Gales (born October 29, 1974), also known as Raw Dawg, is an American blues rock guitarist, originally hailed as a child prodigy. As of 2022, Gales has recorded nineteen albums for major record labels and has done session and tribute work. He has also contributed vocals on several records by the Memphis rap groups Prophet Posse and Three 6 Mafia under the names Lil E and Mack E.

Career

Gales picked up the guitar at age four. His older siblings, Eugene and Manuel (Little Jimmy King), taught him songs and licks when he was young, in the style of Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, B.B. King and others. In 1985, the young Gales began to play at blues competitions with his brother Eugene backing him on bass. Although Gales plays a right-handed guitar "upside-down" (with the bass E string on the bottom), he is not naturally left-handed; he was taught by his brother, who is left-handed, and never second-guessed the nontraditional technique.[2]

In late 1990, Eric and Eugene Gales signed with Elektra Records, and together with the drummer Hubert Crawford released The Eric Gales Band (1991) and Picture of a Thousand Faces (1993). Guitar World magazine's Reader's Poll named Eric the "Best New Talent", in 1991. During this time he had two rock radio hits, "Sign of the Storm" (number 9, U.S. Mainstream Rock) and "Paralyzed" (number 31, U.S. Mainstream Rock)[3] and had spots on television programs such as The Arsenio Hall Show.

In 1994, Gales performed with Carlos Santana at Woodstock '94.[4] In 1995, Gales teamed up with both of his brothers to record an album, Left Hand Brand (released in 1996), as the Gales Brothers.[5] In 2001 Gales released his album That's What I Am on MCA Records.[6]

Gales has released the albums Crystal Vision, The Psychedelic Underground, The Story of My Life and Layin' Down the Blues on the Shrapnel Records label. Relentless (2010) was followed by Transformation (2011) and Live (2012).[7]

In 2004, he contributed a cover of "May This Be Love" to the album Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix.[8] In 2008, he and other guitarists participated in the touring tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Experience Hendrix.[9] The touring group of musicians included Billy Cox, Eric Johnson, Chris Layton, Doyle Bramhall II, Brad Whitford and Mitch Mitchell (it was the last tour that Mitchell played on).

In the winter of 2010, Gales returned to the touring circuit in Europe with TM Stevens on bass guitar and Keith LeBlanc on drums. The tour was billed as VooDoo Chile and featured works of Jimi Hendrix as well as original material from both Gales and Stevens.

In February 2013, Magna Carta Records released the album Pinnick Gales Pridgen, produced by Mike Varney and featuring Gales on guitar and vocals, Doug Pinnick on bass and vocals, and Thomas Pridgen on drums. The 13-track album featured one cover song, "Sunshine of Your Love", originally by Cream, one short instrumental based on Ludwig van Beethoven's "Für Elise", and the remaining songs written by some combination of Pinnick, Gales, Pridgen and Varney.[10] The follow-up album, PGP2, was released in July 2014.[11]

In 2017, Gales released his fifteenth studio effort, Middle of the Road, featuring numerous artists, including Gary Clark Jr., Lauryn Hill and others, as well as his own brother and mother.[12][13] The album became his first to chart on Billboard's Top Blues Album chart, peaking at No. 4, while Gales' following album, The Bookends, topped the chart at No. 1.[14] On May 9, 2019, he won the Blues Music Award for 'Blues Rock Artist of the Year'.[15] In his acceptance speech, he said he was celebrating three years of sobriety.[16] In May 2020, Gales won his second consecutive Blues Music Award as the 'Blues Rock Artist of the Year'.[17]

On October 21, 2021, Gales released the single "I Want My Crown," featuring Joe Bonamassa. The song serves as the lead single from his upcoming album Crown. Produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith, the album was released on January 28, 2022. The album highlights Gales' "struggles with substance abuse, his hopes about a new era of sobriety and unbridled creativity, and his personal reflections on racism."[18] Upon release, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album chart, his second to do so.[14] It also garnered Gales his first Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.[19]

Discography

Gales in 2006

Solo Albums

  • 1991: The Eric Gales Band (Elektra Records)
  • 1993: Picture of a Thousand Faces (Elektra Records)
  • 1996: The Gales Brothers: Left Hand Brand (House of Blues Records)
  • 2001: That's What I Am (MCA Records)
  • 2006: Crystal Vision (Shrapnel Records)
  • 2007: The Psychedelic Underground (Shrapnel Records)
  • 2008: The Story of My Life (Blues Bureau International)
  • 2009: Layin' Down the Blues (Blues Bureau International)
  • 2010: Relentless (Blues Bureau International)
  • 2011: Transformation (Blues Bureau International)
  • 2012: Live
  • 2013: Pinnick Gales Pridgen, Pinnick Gales Pridgen (Magna Carta)
  • 2013: Eric Gales Trio, Ghost Notes (Tone Center Records)
  • 2014: Pinnick Gales Pridgen, PGP2 (Magna Carta)
  • 2014: Good for Sumthin (Cleopatra Records)
  • 2016: A Night on the Sunset Strip, two discs (Cleopatra Records)
  • 2017: Middle of the Road (Provogue/Mascot)
  • 2019: The Bookends (Provogue/Mascot)
  • 2022: Crown (Provogue/Mascot)

As Session Musician

  • 1994: L.A. Blues Authority: Cream of the Crop
  • 1994: Hard Love: 14 Original Metal Ballads
  • 1999: Project Pat: Ghetty Green, uncredited verse on the song "Up There", as Lil E (Hypnotize Minds)
  • 1999: Whole Lotta Blues: Songs of Led Zeppelin
  • 1999: Parker Card & The Sideman Syndicate, Parker Card, with Shawn Lane (Orchard Records)
  • 1999: This Ain't No Tribute Blues Cube
  • 1999: Blues Power: Songs of Eric Clapton
  • 1999: Blue Power: Song of Eric Clapton, This Ain't No Tribute
  • 1999: Triple 6 Mafia: Underground Vol. 2 (Club Memphis), with "Lil E – Half on a Sack or Blow" (Prophet Entertainment)
  • 2000: Blue Haze: Songs of Jimi Hendrix
  • 2000: Hypnotize Camp Posse: Three 6 Mafia Presents...Hypnotize Camp Posse, uncredited verse on the song "We Bout to Ride", as Lil E (Hypnotize Minds)
  • 2000: Triple 6 Mafia: Underground Vol. 3 (Kings of Memphis), with "Lil E – The Powder [The Higher Version]" and "Lil E – Niggaz Down 2 Make Some Endz" (Prophet Entertainment)
  • 2001: Hellhound on My Trail: Songs of Robert Johnson
  • 2002: Led Zeppelin: This Ain't No Tribute Series – All Blues'd Up!
  • 2002: Eric Clapton: This Ain't No Tribute Series – All Blues
  • 2002: A Salute to the Delta Blues Masters
  • 2003: Presents, Vol. 1
  • 2003: Highway 60's 70's Blues Revisited
  • 2003: Got Blues!
  • 2003: Wall of Soul: Lance Lopez
  • 2004: Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix
  • 2005: Show You a Good Time
  • 2005: Rock Revisited
  • 2005: Get Down Workout
  • 2005: Blues Interlude
  • 2005: Lottery: Diamonds-N-Da-Ruff
  • 2006: Wes Jeans – Forest of the Pine
  • 2006: Viva Carlos: Supernatural Marathon Celebration
  • 2006: A Walk on the Blues Side
  • 2006: Billy Cox and Buddy Miles, The Band of Gypsys Return
  • 2014: Eli Cook, Primitive Son[20]

References

  1. ^ Seah, Daniel (October 13, 2020). "Musicians rally in support of Eric Gales, who has been hit with COVID-19". Guitar.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  2. ^ "Eric Gales and the Gales Brothers". Personal.mco.bellsouth.net. Archived from the original on February 20, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  3. ^ "Eric Gales – Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  4. ^ "Eric Gales and Santana Live at Woodstock 94". YouTube. March 1, 2011. Archived from the original on February 10, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  5. ^ Skelly, Richard. "Little Jimmy King". AllMusic. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  6. ^ "ERIC GALES "That's What I Am"". The Washington Post.
  7. ^ "Eric Gales". Shrapnel Label Group, Inc. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  8. ^ Rod Brakes (April 19, 2022). "Watch a 14-Year-Old Eric Gales Destroying the Competition During a Battle of the Bands Contest in 1989". Guitar Player. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  9. ^ Chinen, Nate (October 22, 2008). "Move Over, Rover. Let Jimi Take Over". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  10. ^ "Interview: Eric Gales & Doug Pinnick - Gospel Grooves & Abnormal Blues - Premier Guitar". www.premierguitar.com. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  11. ^ "Pinnick Gales Pridgen". Magnacarta.net. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved December 28, 2014.
  12. ^ Kerzner, Barry (March 22, 2017). "Eric Gales Is Back, Making the Most of a Second Chance - American Blues Scene". Americanbluesscene.com. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
  13. ^ "The return of Eric Gales, the guitarist who could be king". Louderthansound.com. February 10, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
  14. ^ a b "Eric Gales : Chart History". Billboard.com. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
  15. ^ "2019 Blues Music Awards Winners Announced". Antimusic.com. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  16. ^ "40TH BLUES MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED". Blues.org. January 7, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  17. ^ McKay, Robin. "BLUES MUSIC AWARDS". Blues.org. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  18. ^ Owen, Matt (October 21, 2021). "Eric Gales trades guitar solo blows with Joe Bonamassa in dueling new single, I Want My Crown". Guitar World. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  19. ^ Owen, Matt (November 16, 2022). "Ozzy Osbourne, Muse, Megadeth, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Gales, Bonnie Raitt and Wet Leg nominated for 2023 Grammys". Guitar World. Guitar World Magazine. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  20. ^ "Primitive Son – Eli Cook | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eric_Gales&oldid=1230387540"