Donald Kinsey co-founded the blues group the Kinsey Report alongside his family members, and he played guitar with such artists as Bob Marley and the Wailers.
- Died: February 6, 2024 (Who else died on February 6?)
- Details of death: Died at a hospital in Merrillville, Indiana, of complications from COPD at the age of 70.
- We invite you to share condolences for Donald Kinsey in our Guest Book.
Donald Kinsey’s legacy
Kinsey began playing and performing as a young child, and he joined his father, bluesman Lester “Big Daddy” Kinsey (1927–2001), in Big Daddy Kinsey and his Fabulous Sons when he was just six or seven years old. With his early proficiency in the blues, Kinsey was billed as “B.B. King Jr.” as a child. Straight out of high school, he began touring with Albert King (1923–1992), playing guitar and soon leading the blues legend’s band. Later, he formed White Lightnin’ with his brother, Ralph. The band was signed to Island Records, and through that connection, Kinsey discovered reggae music and had a chance to meet two of its greats, Bob Marley (1945–1981) and Peter Tosh (1944–1987).
Kinsey played guitar on Tosh’s iconic debut, 1976’s “Legalize It,” and he toured with Tosh in support of the album. Next up was a chance to join the Wailers for “Rastaman Vibration” in 1976. Though Kinsey is considered an integral part of that classic album, he didn’t stay with the Wailers long. In December 1976, when gunmen entered Marley’s home and attempted to kill the reggae great, Kinsey was there. He was able to evade gunfire and performed with the Wailers at the free concert Smile Jamaica two days later, but the Wailers took a break after the incident. Kinsey returned to touring, supporting both Tosh and the Staple Singers.
In 1984, Kinsey, his brothers, and their father formed the Kinsey Report, recording and performing together for many years. In later years, he rejoined the Wailers band as they toured.
Notable quote
“[A]lmost every night, I have someone come up to me and tell me: ‘Man, you don’t know how your music changed my life…for the better.’ For someone to tell you that, it makes you feel that what you’ve been doin’ is really worthwhile, ya know. Music that touches your soul…that energy can’t be beat. I’m just thankful that I do it, recognize it and I can share that.” —from a 2019 interview for Blues Blast magazine
Tributes to Donald Kinsey
Full obituary: MSN
