It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my friend of many years.

Kal was in a very special class of musicians who I had the pleasure of working with. He was, by far, one of the top blues guitarists and vocal stylists of our time.

He joined me on many shows and concerts around the U.S. and in Brazil. He played on many of my recordings including the “Memphis Sun Recordings,” a tribute to Sun Records in the early 1990’s.

He had a gentle warm personality that was easy to be around. He hailed from Chicago where he developed his style. We met in Hollywood where he sat in on a jam session we were doing weekly, and he and I instantly hit it off.

Kal and his talented partner, Lori Bono were married at my home in Los Angeles. Lori was my mother’s favorite singer.

I’m sure Kal and B.B. King are jamming in blues heaven.

He was the Real Deal.