Al McKay


Al McKay is an American guitarist, songwriter and producer. He is a former member of The Watts 103rd Rhythm Street Band and Earth, Wind & Fire. McKay now leads his own group called the Al McKay All Stars.

Biography

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, McKay's first professional gig was as a guitarist for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. He then went on to become a member of The Watts 103rd Rhythm Street Band. McKay later joined up with the band Earth, Wind & Fire in 1973. He eventually left the group in 1981.
McKay now performs with his band, The Al McKay Allstars, performing a show called The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience. During 2001 the group released a studio album entitled Al Dente. A live album from the band called Live At Mt. Fuji'' was also issued in 2003.

Solo work

Mc Kay also played on Gene Harris's 1976 album In a Special Way, Eddie Henderson's 1977 LP Comin' Through, Patrice Rushen's 1977 LP Shout It Out, 1978's Patrice, 1979's Pizzazz and her 1980 studio album Posh. As well performed on Ramsey Lewis' 1980 LP Routes, Herbie Hancock's 1981 album Magic Windows and A Taste of Honey's 1982 LP Ladies of the Eighties. McKay also coproduced The Temptations on their 1984 studio LP Truly for You and produced Shirley Jones on her 1986 album Always in the Mood.
He later played upon Norman Brown's 1992 album Just Between Us, Ramsey Lewis' 1993 LP Sky Islands.

Personal life

McKay is a left-handed guitarist.