Albert King – "Blues Power" Live at Fillmore East, 1970

This is one of the finest examples of slow blues ever captured on film. Such distinctive phrasing and passion! His influence will live on for generations. How good was Albert King? Stevie Ray Vaughan literally called him daddy.

Albert King – Blues Power – Live at Fillmore East, 1970.

Albert King’s performance of “Blues Power” at the Fillmore East in 1970 stands as one of the most iconic moments in blues history. With his signature Gibson Flying V in hand, King brought raw emotion and incredible talent to the stage. His bold, thick guitar tones filled the Fillmore, instantly drawing the audience into the heart of the blues. From the first note, King delivered a powerful groove that made him an influential figure in the blues world.

What makes this performance memorable is King’s approach to playing — not flashy, but deliberate. He let each note breathe, giving his guitar a voice of its own. His deep, soulful vocals blended perfectly with his guitar work, creating an experience that felt both intense and genuine.

“Blues Power” is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of the blues. The slow, simmering guitar solos and King’s effortless ability to stretch each note made this performance truly stand out. His connection with the audience, alongside the tight rhythm section, made it a defining moment in live blues music.

Lyrics:
This is blues power!
Well
Play it now)

Everybody understands the blues
Are you listening?
Yeah!

I say everybody understands the blues
Everybody from one day to another has the blues

You take the little baby that’s layin’ in the cradle
He can’t get that milk bottle fast enough
He go to kickin’ an’cryin’
An’ goin’ on, tearin’ up the little baby bed
He got the blues
Can ya dig it?
Yeah!
Ha, ha, ha

You take this girl that’s got this main squeeze
That’s her boyfriend, that is, you know

An’ he just bought a brand new GTO
You know she want to be wit’ him everytime he cranks it up
An’ go around the corner to the soda fountain
This is where she want to go an’show it off
Where all the girls and guys be
You know what I mean?

An’ she get ready to go out this particular night
An’ her mother say, “Daughter you was just out last night
You can’t go out tonight, that’s too many nights in a row”

She go in the room an’fasten the door
An’ won’t answer the phone, won’t eat
Won’t talk to nobody
She got the blues
That’s what’s wrong wit’ her

Some people call them the reds, the pinks
When ya get through
It’s the old-fashioned country blues
That’s right

I haven’t seen my main squeeze
In ten long weeks, today
You know I got the blues
Can you dig it? ha, ha, ha
Yeah!

Woo! Alright!

Ah but wait, I don’t think you’re with me
Let’s everybody get a thing goin’ right here
Yes, yes, yes

Can you feel it?
Yeah!
I can’t hear you, can you feel it?
Yeah!
Yes, yes
Sounds awful good, keep it, keep it, right there chilin’
Keep it right there, ha ha ha ha

The blues!
An’ when you’re doin’ the blues
They so strong, that’s the reason there named
They call ’em blues power, yeah

An’ would you believe I invented blues power?
Yeah!
Ha, ha
Can you dig the blues power?
Yeah!
Let everybody say “yeah”
Yeah!
Say it again, say “yeah”
Yeah!

Alright! Alright! Hey! Hey! Hey! Oh! Alright
Ha, ha, ha! Well! Woo! Ha, ha, ha! Oh man! Hey!
Ooh-oh!
Woo!
Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Thank you very kindly!
Woo!