Age, Biography and Wiki

Guitar Shorty (David William Kearney) was born on 8 September, 1939 in Houston, Texas, U.S., is an American blues guitarist (1934–2022). Discover Guitar Shorty's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 82 years old?

Popular As David William Kearney
Occupation Musician
Age 82 years old
Zodiac Sign Virgo
Born 8 September, 1939
Birthday 8 September
Birthplace Houston, Texas, U.S.
Date of death 20 April, 2022
Died Place Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Nationality United States

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 8 September. He is a member of famous guitarist with the age 82 years old group.

Guitar Shorty Height, Weight & Measurements

At 82 years old, Guitar Shorty height not available right now. We will update Guitar Shorty's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
Weight Not Available
Body Measurements Not Available
Eye Color Not Available
Hair Color Not Available

Dating & Relationship status

He is currently single. He is not dating anyone. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. According to our Database, He has no children.

Family
Parents Not Available
Wife Not Available
Sibling Not Available
Children Not Available

Guitar Shorty Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Guitar Shorty worth at the age of 82 years old? Guitar Shorty’s income source is mostly from being a successful guitarist. He is from United States. We have estimated Guitar Shorty's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income guitarist

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Timeline

1934

David William Kearney (September 8, 1934 – April 20, 2022), known as Guitar Shorty, was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

He was known for his explosive guitar style and wild stage antics.

1950

Credited with influencing both Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy, Guitar Shorty recorded and toured from the 1950s until the 2020s.

Shorty gigged steadily through the late 1950s and 1960s.

1957

He recorded his first single in 1957, "You Don't Treat Me Right", for the Cobra label under the direction of Willie Dixon, after Dixon saw him playing with the Walter Johnson Orchestra.

While in New Orleans, Shorty also fronted his own band which played regularly at the Dew Drop Inn where he was joined by special guests such as T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner and Little Richard.

Not one to stay in one place long, Shorty next moved to the West Coast at 19 to play with Sam Cooke.

He played up and down the west coast and Canada until he met his future wife, Marsha or Marcia, in Seattle, Washington.

Marsha was the step-sister of Jimi Hendrix.

Hendrix was so enthralled with Shorty's playing, he went AWOL several times from his Army base to see him perform.

Shorty introduced Hendrix to the wah pedal and loaned him one when Hendrix could not afford to buy his own.

1962

Shorty married Marsha in 1962 and they separated in 1970.

1970

During the 1970s, he worked as a mechanic, playing music at nights and on weekends.

1975

He again became a full-time musician in 1975, struggling at times to make ends meet.

1976

In 1976 he made an appearance on Chuck Barris' Gong Show, winning first prize for performing the song, "They Call Me Guitar Shorty", while balanced on his head.

2002

In 2002, he was featured on the Bo Diddley tribute album Hey Bo Diddley – A Tribute!, performing the song "Don't Let It Go (Hold On To What You Got)".

2004

He joined Alligator Records in 2004.

2006

His album that year, Watch Your Back and his 2006 album We the People both charted on the Billboard Top Blues Albums at numbers eleven and twelve, respectively.

Billboard said of We The People, "it's difficult to imagine that he ever tracks a better album than this one."

2016

On May 10, 2016, his touring van and trailer was stolen with most of his instruments and gear.

An online fundraiser and several benefit concerts were organized, by his guitar player Crazy Tomes, in Los Angeles to help him with the financial losses, including a special performance with The Chambers Brothers.

2017

In 2017, Billboard magazine said, "his galvanizing guitar work defines modern, top-of-the-line blues-rock. His vocals remain as forceful as ever. Righteous shuffles...blistering, sinuous guitar solos."

Shorty was born in either Houston, Texas, or Loughman, Florida.

He grew up mainly in Kissimmee, Florida.

He was taught by his uncle to play the guitar at an early age, and began leading a band not long after.

During his time in Tampa Bay, Florida, at age 16 he received his nickname, Guitar Shorty, when it mysteriously showed up on the marquee of the club he was playing as 'The Walter Johnson Band featuring Guitar Shorty.' He steadily began to garner accolades from his peers and, soon after, he joined the Ray Charles Band for a year.

2019

Guitar Shorty released his album Trying To Find My Way Back in 2019, produced by Jerry "Swamp Dogg" Williams and Larry "MoogStar" Clemons.

2020

He also played lead guitar on Crazy Tomes' single "Livin' on Memories", released in 2020.

He continued to tour with his band of many years that included Dan Gerass (Drums), Crazy Tomes (Guitar and vocals) Malcolm Lukens (Keyboards) and Wadada Khufu (bass).

He died on April 20, 2022, in Los Angeles, at the age of 87.