Freddy King with "The Things That I Used To Do" from The Old Grey Whistle Test

Experience the "Texas Cannonball" at his most soulful as Freddie King delivers a powerful live rendition of the blues standard "The Things That I Used To Do" for the BBC’s The Old Grey Whistle Test. Recorded in London in 1975, this performance highlights King’s legendary stage presence and his aggressive, finger-picking guitar style. Often cited as one of the "Three Kings" of electric blues guitar (alongside B.B. and Albert), Freddie brings a unique intensity to this Guitar Slim classic. This mid-70s appearance captures him during a prolific period of touring in Europe, where his high-energy performances influenced a generation of British blues-rockers, including Eric Clapton and Peter Green. Performance Highlights: The "Texas Cannonball" Sound: Showcases Freddie’s signature use of plastic fingerpicks and a metal thumbpick to achieve his sharp, stinging tone on his Gibson ES-345. 🎶 Vocal Power: While known for his guitar work, this track highlights King’s deeply expressive and soulful vocal range, bringing a raw emotional weight to the lyrics. Old Grey Whistle Test: Filmed for the iconic British music program, this set provided a rare, high-quality television capture of King’s live prowess just a year before his untimely passing in 1976. 🎬 About Freddie King: A monumental figure in the history of the blues, Freddie King bridged the gap between traditional Chicago blues and the modern Texas sound. His instrumental hits like "Hide Away" and "The Stumble" became essential textbooks for every aspiring rock and blues guitarist of the 1960s and 70s. About The Old Grey Whistle Test: From 1971 to 1988, The Old Grey Whistle Test was the BBC's flagship "serious" music show. Hosted by Bob Harris, it eschewed the pop charts to focus on live performances and album-oriented rock, becoming a vital platform for legendary artists to showcase their craft. #FreddieKing #TheThingsThatIUsedToDo #OldGreyWhistleTest #TexasBlues #BluesLegend #TheTexasCannonball #LiveMusic #ClassicBlues #GuitarHero #1975Music #BBCMusic

Added 8 May 2026