Al Casey (born October 26, 1936 in Long Beach, California, died September 17, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona) is a pioneering rockabilly guitarist. His contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Al is mainly known for his studio backup work, but also released records and had minor chart success under his own name. His guitar is prominent on the Sanford Clark hit "The Fool", featuring a lick Al borrowed from the song, "Smokestack Lightning". He was part of the backup for Duane Eddy's recordings, playing bass, piano, and rhythm guitar.
Al and Lee Hazlewood worked together in 1963, recording "Surfin Hootenanny", which was a chart success. (The backup vocal group was even named The K-C-Ettes.) Recorded in the style of Duane Eddy's "Dance with the Guitar Man", "Surfin Hootenanny" featured Al mimicking the styles of Dick Dale, The Ventures, and Duane Eddy. The "Surfin Hootenanny" album is somewhat of a classic among surf and rock and roll fans. Later he was a featured guitarist on the "Exotic Guitars" series of albums, and he continued recording until a few years before his death.
Hear a sample of Al Casey playing lead with The Exotic Guitars:
Image:Raunchy - Exotic Guitars, Al Casey.ogg
