Gabor Szabo

Hungarin jazz guitarist. Born 8/3/1936. Died 26/2/1982. Taught himself to play guitar from music he heard on the radio. Left Hungary after the Communist take over in 1956. Settled in California but struggled to become established as a musician. In 1961 he joined The Chico Hamilton Quintet and then The Gary McFarland Quintet in 1965. His 1966 solo Spellbinder album included the track Gypsy Queen which was used by Santana on their hit Black Magic Woman.

He went on to work with Bobby Womack, Carlos Santana and Chick Corea along with Tony Ortega, Bob Harris and Ian Underwood.

He struggled with his heroin addiction and returned to Hungary where he died.