Freddie is probably the most underrated of the Three Kings of blues guitar alongside BB and Albert. The album cover above is said to have inspired Eric Clapton to buy a Les Paul, and he then went on to cover King's Hideaway on the seminal Bluesbreaker's 'Beano' album.

Another Bluesbreaker, Peter Green, was a King fan, covering The Stumble in '67. Although his influence on the Brit blues boom of the 1960s is unquestionable, it's easy to overlook just how great, melodic and innovative a lead player King was himself.

Listen: Freddie King - The Stumble

Your votes:

“For my listening pleasure I'm rarely a long way from some Freddie King - the invention and energy in every phrase has seldom been equalled.” (Thanks, erictheweary)

“Freddie King, Mississippi Fred McDowell... Robert Johnson, the list goes on for days!” (From Kasey via Facebook, thanks)

Next: Johnny Winter