Guitar Shorty (born David William Kearney, September 8, 1934 – April 20, 2022) was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known for his explosive stage presence and wild showmanship. He grew up in Houston and later moved to Florida and Chicago, developing his fiery guitar style influenced by B.B. King, Guitar Slim, and others. Shorty became famous in the 1950s and 60s for his high-energy performances, which included backflips, somersaults, and acrobatic stunts while playing gu