Author Archives: baldpomegranatenixon

Celebrating Albert William Lee (born December 21, 1943), an English guitarist known for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique and one of the all-time greatest country guitarists. Lee was born in Lingen, Herefordshire, but grew up in Blackheath, London, a member of a Romani family.

Celebrating Francisco Gustavo Sánchez Gómez (December 21, 1947 – February 25, 2014), known as Paco de Lucía, a Spanish virtuoso flamenco guitarist, and a leading proponent of the new flamenco style. He was one of the first flamenco guitarists to cross over successfully into other genres of music such as classical and jazz.

Celebrating Albert Nelson (April 25, 1923 – December 21, 1992), known by his stage name Albert King, an American blues guitarist possibly from Indianola, Mississippi, but more likely Aberdeen, whose playing influenced many other guitarists. He is perhaps best known for the influential album Born Under a Bad Sign (1967.)

Celebrating Manuel Barrueco (born December 16, 1952), a Cuban classical guitarist who teaches at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.

Celebrating Carlos García Montoya (December 13, 1903 – March 3, 1993) in Madrid, Spain, a prominent flamenco guitarist and a founder of the modern-day popular flamenco style of music.

Celebrating James Stanley “Jim” Hall (December 4, 1930 – December 10, 2013) an American jazz guitarist born in Buffalo, NY. Premier Guitar magazine stated that “It could be argued that the jazz guitar tree is rooted in four names: Django, Charlie, Wes, and Jim”.

Celebrating Katherine Lynne “Kat” Bjelland (born December 9, 1963) an American guitarist, lead singer, and songwriter of the alternative rock band Babes in Toyland, which she formed in Minneapolis, MN in 1987.

Celebrating Darrell Lance Abbott (August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004), also known as Dimebag Darrell, an American guitarist who co-founded the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan.

Celebrating Nita Strauss (born December 7, 1986) an American guitarist best known for her work with The Iron Maidens, Femme Fatale, and the LA Kiss musical backing group.

Celebrating Randall William “Randy” Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982) an American heavy metal guitarist and devoted student of classical guitar, combining the two in his distinct style with Ozzy Osbourne’s band.