ERIC Clapton called him the greatest guitarist in the world, but Albert Lee remains a modest and humble figure.

Lee’s distinctive six-string twang has graced recordings by Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley.

And a glorious career, spanning half a century, could easily be a technicolour script for a Who’s Who of rock and roll.

“I’ve been playing guitar since 1959, during the birth of rock and roll, so I’m truly blessed,” said Lee, who headlines Clitheroe Blues Festival at the Grand in October.

“Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard, great guys, were young skifflers on the scene, it was an explosion of ideas and new music.

“You had to earn your stripes, though, working everywhere.

“I was in a variety band, entertaining American servicemen at a club in Germany, and they paid us in bottles of champagne.

“It was a severe winter and the van we were travelling in was so cold that when we woke up the champagne had frozen solid.

“You did the hard yards, but those early years gave me the opportunity to play with my heroes and I had enough experience then to appreciate it, understand it, and be accepted by my peers.”

And he did just that, rubbing shoulders with the Everly Brothers, Lonnie Donegan, Glen Campbell, Dave Edmunds, Willie Nelson, Billy Wyman and his old mate Jimmy Page from rock gods Led Zeppelin.

Lee, who now lives in Malibu, enjoyed his first taste of commercial success as the lead guitarist with Chris Farlowe and the Thunderbirds.

“I like to play, and that’s the only thing I do,” said Lee.

“I feel very lucky that I’m making a living doing something I love, and I’m playing better than ever.

“But I haven’t been busy all my career and I think that’s given me an extra edge, to stay hungry.”

Dubbed Mr Telecaster, he said: “I’m 76, but I’m just as driven now to play music as I was when I moved to America in the 1970s.

“I gave the USA an English slant on country music and I’m very proud of that.”

He adds: “I have a nice life, but I’m far from rich.

“That’s fine, because it is far greater, I think, to receive that recognition for what you do and make a mark for yourself.

“I’ve seen other musicians lose that hunger for playing.

“I still have that rawness, always looking to try and play the perfect gig.”

It will be the legendary guitarists second visit to the Grand, having sold out the venue five years ago.

“We’re a budget operation, no soundman, no PA, a four-piece band and we do what we do and love every second of it.”

Clitheroe Blues Festival, Sunday, October 13 with Albert Lee, Dani Wilde, Crow Back Chicken, Storm Warning, Luke Docherty Band and Deep Blue Sea. Details from 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue.co.uk