In the end, Memphis was privy to the dawn of greatness as a 14-year-old Eric Gales triumphed in a music competition, securing a record deal and setting off on his successful musical journey.
In the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, in 1989, a 14-year-old guitar prodigy named Eric Gales made his mark on the city's music scene by winning a Battle of the Bands competition. Little did they know, this young artist was about to embark on a journey that would reshape the modern blues landscape.
The defining moment of Gales' performance came when he covered Jimi Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic." Imitating Hendrix's iconic style and stage presence, Gales showcased his deep admiration for the guitar legend and solidified his reputation as a rising star.
A distinctive aspect of Gales' performance was his choice of instrument. He played a right-handed Fender Stratocaster, which he strung upside down, a unique setup that has become synonymous with his career. Despite being identified as a left-handed player, Gales is not wholly left-handed, a fact that adds to the intrigue of his playing style.
This triumphant performance catapulted Gales into the music industry. Within no time, he secured a record deal, released his debut album, and garnered recognition that culminated in him being crowned as Guitar World’s best new talent in 1991.
Looking back, Gales' early career was marked by a series of significant milestones. He first picked up a guitar at the age of four, an instrument inherited from his older brother. By 1993, he had released two albums with Elektra Records - The Eric Gales Band (1991), and Picture of a Thousand Faces (1993).
The footage of this pivotal moment in Gales' career has recently resurfaced online, offering fans a glimpse into the origins of his greatness. On the day of the contest, Gales arrived wearing leopard print tights, a purple kimono, and carrying a guitar in a plastic bag, a testament to his youthful exuberance and unbridled talent.
As Gales continues to shred stages today, his name is on the path to modern blues immortality. His brothers also play the guitar in the same manner as him, a family legacy that honours the memory of his late older brother, Manuel (AKA Little Jimmy King), who passed away in 2002. Gales has even tapped blues legend Buddy Guy to honour his brother's legacy, further cementing his status as a blues rock titan.
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- Eric Gales, the 14-year-old prs (prodigy), played a right-handed Fender Stratocaster at the Battle of the Bands in Memphis, Tennessee in 1989.
- During the competition, Gales showcased his technique on the guitar, imitating Jimi Hendrix's style and stage presence, earning him recognition as a rising star.
- A unique aspect of Gales' performance was his unconventional setup - he strung the Stratocaster upside down, a choice that has become synonymous with his career.
- Following his victorious performance, he secured a record deal, released his debut album, and was crowned as Guitar World’s best new talent in 1991.
- His early career was marked by significant milestones, such as his first guitar, inherited from his older brother, and the releases of The Eric Gales Band (1991) and Picture of a Thousand Faces (1993) with Elektra Records.
- Later, he began to use pedals and amps to broaden his sound, contributing to his success in the world of electrified blues and entertainment, placing him among the greats in music and sports.
