Earl King (born Earl Silas Johnson IV, 1934–2003) was a New Orleans R&B and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. A key figure in the city’s music scene, he blended sharp guitar work with witty, street-smart lyrics and influenced generations of players.
Trick Bag
“Trick Bag” is his classic 1962 Imperial Records single—a sly, mid-tempo New Orleans R&B number about a man trapped in a deceptive, no-win situation (the “trick bag”). King’s smooth yet pointed delivery and the song’s rolling rhythm made it a regional favorite that later became a blues standard.
- Signature feel: Laid-back groove, clever wordplay, and King’s distinctive guitar tone.
- Legacy: Covered by artists ranging from Robert Cray to the Radiators; still a staple in New Orleans clubs.
- Tidbit: King wrote dozens of songs for other artists (including hits for Professor Longhair), and local lore claims “Trick Bag” drew from real Crescent City street hustles he witnessed—though he always kept the exact inspiration close to the vest.
A king among many!