Cummings’ journey to musical success began at a young age when he learned to play guitar from his father. However, it wasn’t until he heard the early recordings of Stevie Ray Vaughan and saw him perform live that Cummings truly found his calling. With a newfound passion for blues music, Cummings decided to pursue a career in music at the age of 27.
In 2004, Cummings signed with Blind Pig Records and released his debut album, True To Yourself, which showcased his raw talent and soulful sound. Over the years, Cummings continued to release hit albums such as Working Man, Feels So Good, and No Regrets, which debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Blues Charts.
In 2020, Cummings released his highly anticipated album Believe, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Jim Gaines. The album, recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, showcases Cummings’ versatility and musical prowess, with standout tracks like his cover of Hold On by Sam & Dave.
Most recently, Cummings released his tenth album, Strong, in 2024, further solidifying his status as a blues rock icon. With his unique blend of blues, rock, and country influences, Cummings continues to captivate audiences around the world with his electrifying performances and soulful vocals.
So, if you’re looking for some new music to add to your playlist, be sure to check out Albert Cummings and experience the magic of his timeless sound. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
What first got you into music?
When I was a little kid, my dad played guitar. He played with a band and gave it up about the time I was born. Every time there was a picnic or a party, anyone who played an instrument usually bought it to the party, and I would watch them all having such fun and enjoying playing together.
I believe this was the first inspiration for me to know I wanted to play music. Of course, it would be decades later before I actually got into playing music, but I feel that being inspired as a child secured my fate!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I like to think that my music is just plain real life. Growing up in the trades and being a builder allowed me to learn about people and life itself. My music is strongly based in the blues for a simple reason. Blues music to me is simply an expression of your feelings. I tend to write about every day life experiences that I think a lot of people share the connections. When I write or play my music, I try to express what or how I’m feeling. I want people to feel my music, not just hear it. My songs have stories and meanings. I love connecting with people who share my thoughts.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I admire all musicians. Playing music is something that is very personal, and whether they realize it or not, they are feeding something in their own soul whether they are famous or not. I know music gives me something that nothing else can, and I love to see someone else enjoying that in their life. When it comes to famous musicians:
I tend to admire the ones that earned their way there. Today’s music world tends to be about popularity more than talent. I have much more respect for the ones that have put the miles in and been through the ringer. Maybe I just relate to them better because of respect. These artists are the ones who are hungry and sing or play with complete passion. They also can sustain because of their ambitions. The famous ones who are made overnight never seem to have the ability to relate to regular people. They come and go, but the people who earn it are the ones I admire.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If I only had a genie in a bottle! I think the simple thing to change is for the industry to start treating music like an art form like it used to be. I don’t think that is a common view of music these days. Of course, there are many that do see it as an art form, and they have a deeper appreciation for listening to music. I think the vast majority of people like listening to what they are familiar with. Of course, this is reflected in radio as we know it today. I would guess that there are about five people in the whole U.S. that determine what gets played on the radio. I’d like to see the monopoly on radio abolished. I’d like more variety on the radio or a consumer-based radio where the listeners get the opportunity to choose what they hear. Spotify and Pandora are great examples of this and do very well with this concept. But mainstream radio is still the most accessible. Right now, big money can have songs or artists pumped into the system, and if it’s played long enough, it will become familiar, and it becomes a hit. I’d like to see a way to expose the hundreds of thousands of artists out there who have something to say to be heard. Music is a big business, and I understand why it’s where it is, but music is an art form. People need to have access to music that they could enjoy and relate to if they only knew it was there.
If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be?
My favorite quote is “Be yourself because everyone else is taken” by Oscar Wilde. I would tell them the world doesn’t need another Jimmy Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan or BB King. The world needs you. I would tell them to focus on their own inner being and create something that’s never been done, which only they can provide. There is only one you, and that’s your greatest asset that you already possess. Sure, learn all the music you like, but work on being just you. It’s your best chance at fulfilling your own destiny.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?
I think I’d set that thing to the past. I’d like to go back to when the world had more respect for each other. To the times when people were kind and concerned for each other. I wouldn’t have to go too far back, but the further you, go the better I bet it would get. I’m not pleased with what’s happening in the world today and how devisive our culture is becoming with all of the propaganda.
What would you do if you had to work but didn’t need the money?
That’s an easy one! I’d be a musician! This is a great question for anyone to ask themselves. I think people can find the best fulfillment in life if they could just do what they love to do. If they have the desire, they would become very good at it just by making this choice. I wish that for everyone!
Are you a cat or dog person?
I’m more of a dog person, since I have two German Shepherds. I like cats too, but then again, I love all animals. We all share the planet together.
What do you think of garden gnomes?
This is a tough one. I guess they would go right along with those pedestals that have the shiny colored balls on top. At least a bird bath serves a purpose. But to each their gnome!
How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida in the summer?
I’d probably put ice cubes in it! Either that or I’d follow typical modern day sales techniques. I’d tell people it will make you lose weight, give you great abs, or maybe it will make you look younger. I’d have to watch a few commercials to come up with some more tricks!
If you were a tree, what kind would you be and why?
I would be a Redwood! I would live for thousands of years, and I would be protected so no one can cut me down!
Stream or buy Strong here https://albertcummings.lnk.to/strong
Albert’s Website: https://albertcummings.com/
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