NEW ALBUM: The Soul King of Bessemer, AL

We’re teaming up with Alabama-based rhythm and blues guitarist Earl “Guitar” Williams to release his latest album, recorded in 2025 at our studio in Fountain, NC! The Soul King of Bessemer, AL arrives on the Music Maker label Friday, May 8, 2026.

A veteran of the soul blues circuit, Williams built his first cigar-box guitar at age 7 and has been playing ever since. He cut his teeth performing at Gip’s Place, the legendary blues venue in his hometown of Bessemer, AL that was one of the nation’s last backyard juke joints until its closure in 2019. Williams joined The Corruptors at age 13 and went on to form the Afro Blues Band (later re-named Kalu) in the early 1970s, which backed numerous singers including Benny Latimore, Tyrone Davis, and Garland Green.

Today, he continues to perform both solo and with others in the Bessemer area and beyond — including an appearance at this year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, where he was a semifinalist representing Magic City Blues Society. As part of his partnership with Music Maker, he also performed at the 2025 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in Colorado.

“I’m proud to be a part of it,” Williams says of joining Music Maker, “especially going to Telluride. That crowd of people came looking for Earl. That felt good.”

The Soul King of Bessemer, AL is Williams’ fourth album, his first with Music Maker. Recorded at Music Maker Studios in Fountain, NC, the album demonstrates his versatility across funk, soul, and country as well as his signature gutbucket blues. Highlights include his signature songs “Can of Alligator” and “Hey Mr. Gip,” as well as a striking cover of The Mamas & The Papas’ hit “California Dreamin.” Jimbo Mathus served as producer.

“Earl delivers a wonderful set of music,” says Tim Duffy, co-founder and Executive Director of Music Maker. “His guitar playing and his rendition of ‘California Dreamin’ truly showcase his fleet-fingered guitar styling and his wonderful voice. His own compositions are witty and fun, and The Crimestoppers provide fantastic background vocals.”

The Soul King of Bessemer, AL can be purchased from Music Maker Foundation or streamed on all major streaming platforms starting Friday, May 8.