How Kingfish Ingram Helps The Blues Evolve

Published Jan 16, 2024 By John Lerit

via Premier Guitar / Youtube

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is proving to be a force in the evolution of blues, demonstrating that the genre has a promising future. Since his debut album’s release in 2019, Kingfish has been on a trajectory of success, garnering critical acclaim, awards, and even a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Beyond his musical achievements, Kingfish has ventured into other realms, making notable appearances in the Marvel television show Luke Cage and the widely popular video game Red Dead Redemption II.

These diverse engagements showcase his ability to captivate audiences across different mediums.

While deeply rooted in the traditions and history of the blues, Kingfish fearlessly pushes the genre forward into the 21st century. His recently released sophomore album, “662,” named after the area code of his hometown Clarksdale, Miss., exemplifies the 22-year-old guitar virtuoso’s commitment to expanding his sound. In this latest offering, Kingfish seamlessly incorporates elements of rock, soul, and gospel, showcasing his versatility. While the album features impressive guitar shredding, Kingfish also highlights the evolution of another instrument – his voice.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rock and Blues Muse (@rockbluesmuse)

In a recent interview with World Cafe host Stephen Kallao, Kingfish delves into his musical evolution and the inspiration behind “662.” The album serves as a love letter to his hometown, celebrating Clarksdale’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Kingfish treats listeners to incredible live performances from Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, starting with the title track of his new album.