Born Under a Bad Sign (song)

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“Born Under a Bad Sign”

Song by Albert King
Album	Born Under a Bad Sign
Released	1967
Genre	Blues, Blues rock
Length	2:44
Label	Stax Records
Writer	Bell/Jones

"Born Under a Bad Sign" is a song originally recorded by Albert King as the title track for the album Born Under a Bad Sign released in 1967. Several cover versions of the song exist, most notably by British rock group Cream and American rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

[edit] Style and Influence

The style of "Born Under a Bad Sign" is hallmark of Albert King in the late 60s. The lead guitar is bright, nasal and cutting, partly because of Albert King's choice of a custom Gibson guitar with neck pickup selected. The looping bass line is composed of a C# pentatonic or blues scale while the piano and horn accompaniment remains major in its tonality^[1]. The unique mix of otherwise minor and major modes give the song a bright but harrowing sound.

The wide assortment of cover versions demonstrates Albert King's ability to influence not only blues guitar, but also rock guitar. It is notable that Jimi Hendrix's cover of "Born Under a Bad Sign" is essentially an extended guitar solo that explores Albert King's unique phrasing.