There are two artists with the name 'Guitar Shorty': 1) Guitar Shorty was American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter David William Kearney (born on 8 September 1934 ; died 20 April 2022) who was known for his explosive guitar style and wild stage antics. 2) Guitar Shorty was American acoustic blues guitarist John Henry Fortescue (born on 24 January 1923; died 26 May 1976). I. Guitar Shorty (born David William Kearney on 8 September 1934 ; died 20 April 2022), was an American blues guitarist.