At the age of 16, Eric Gales was signed to Elektra Records and released his debut album The Eric Gales Band. At 19, he played Woodstock ’94 with Carlos Santana. Over 30 years, 19 albums, and a million miles later, Gales is near the top of the blues heap.
His journey has not been without its travails. Now seven years sober, the incendiary guitar whiz is touring behind what he acknowledges is “one of the best records…I’ve ever done”. (LISTEN ABOVE to hear Dave Popkin's entire interview with Eric Gales)
2022’s Crown was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album and reached #1 on the Billboard Blues Album chart. In the adjoining audio interview, Gales goes deep with WBGO’s Dave Popkin on subjects such as: Memphis music, Joe Bonamassa, “Kingfish” Ingram, King’s X, racism, sobriety, guitar heroes, and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival. He will perform at The Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey on November 8.
Eric Gales “I Want My Crown” (featuring Joe Bonamassa):
The Eric Gales Band “Sign of the Storm”:
Eric Gales, Samantha Fish, and Kingfish Ingram “I’m Going Down” at Crossroads Festival 2023:
Eric Gales “Stand Up”:
Pinnick Gales Pridgen “Every Step of the Way”:
