Albert King

Albert King's mammoth physical presence (he weighed 250 pounds and stood six-feet-four) was reflected in his imposing vocals and biting blues. His big break came in 1966, when he signed with Stax and cut some of his best-known works, including "Laundromat Blues." He appeared on the first Fillmore East show and also played at the hall's closing concerts in 1971. King continued to perform until he died of a heart attack in 1992 at age 69.