Albert Lee is an English guitarist and singer from Leominster, Herefordshire. He first gains wider recognition as lead guitarist with Chris Farlowe and the Thunderbirds, then joins Heads Hands & Feet in 1969 and stays with the group until it breaks up in 1973. He is often described as a “guitarists’ guitarist” because of his work across country, rockabilly, rock and blues.

Career

Lee begins with Chris Farlowe and the Thunderbirds, where he first experiences commercial success. After leaving that group in 1968, he joins Heads Hands & Feet the following year. In 1974 he leaves the UK for Los Angeles and becomes a member of The Crickets through bassist Rick Grech. The group records three albums together, including A Long Way From Lubbock.

By this stage, Lee is also in demand for session work. In 1976 he is asked to join Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band, taking the place of James Burton. From 1978 he works with Eric Clapton for five years, contributing both guitar and vocals to a live concert recording at the Budokan in Japan.

Work with other artists

Lee plays regularly with The Everly Brothers for more than twenty years. He is also responsible for the Everly Brothers’ reunion concert in 1983, where he acts as musical director.

Later touring and collaborations

In 1987, Gerry Hogan invites him to headline a steel guitar festival in Newbury, Berkshire. Although he is initially unsure about fronting a band, the performance leads to regular touring with Hogan’s Heroes. He continues to work in the studio and tours regularly with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings.

Recordings

Lee and Hogan’s Heroes release Like This in spring 2008 to coincide with a European tour.