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Song

You Shouldn’t Have Left Me

Artist

Eric Gales

Eric Gales backstory

Gales is the youngest of five siblings born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and playing guitar was a family tradition.

After older brother Manuel graduated from Albert King’s band to form his own band — using his stage name Little Jimmy King — Eric signed a record deal aged 15.

And a year later his Elektra Records debut dropped to critical acclaim.

In 2002 Manuel died suddenly from a heart attack and in the following years his little brother’s life took several turns for the worse.

Gales was jailed after being caught ‘in possession of drugs and a handgun’ in 2009 but the talented singer songwriter sought to turn things around.

And a decade-long ascension to the top of his profession has seen a succession of Billboard successes, Grammy nominations and more.

2025 sees Gales finally pay a full and fitting tribute to late brother Manuel in the shape of star-studded long player A Tribute To LJK. 

In Eric Gales’ own words

“You Shouldn’t Have Left Me is a real blues-club burner with a Blues Is Alright kinda vibe.

“The first voice you hear is my brother Danuel, who is Little Jimmy’s twin, and there’s a very significant reason I did that, because they sound exactly alike.

“So my brother’s voice starts this whole record and there’s a huge sentimental value in that.

“That song turned out really well and I think it’s a strong opener — it has very high energy.”

The verdict on You Shouldn’t Have Left Me

Smoking hot? Gales’ latest single is incendiary. 

Like all but one of the choice picks on A Tribute To LJK, this song’s a riotous interpretation of a Little Jimmy King favourite.

Little Jimmy’s twin Danuel delivers the spine-tingling, spoken word intro.

And as such there’s no escaping the passion, emotion and authenticity at the heart of Gales’ latest project.

The man himself is in explosive form as he brings alive a story of heartbreak and bitter regret.

And Gales’ swaggering, signature guitar style reveals just why Joe Bonamassa and Buddy Guy are amongst his biggest fans.

You Shouldn’t Have Left Me’s double meaning — Gales still believes Manuel/Little Jimmy was taken far too soon — strikes a chord with anyone tackling the loss of a loved one.

But there’s a sense of rising again in the face of adversity at the heart of a truly moving tune.

It’s Gales force — multiplied.

What’s next for Eric Gales

A Tribute To Little Jimmy King is out now via Provogue. The album gets a physical release on October 24.

Gales takes part in the BB King ‘100th birthday’ celebrations in Memphis from September 14-16 and tours Australia throughout November.

UK dates are incoming.