The future of Blues music is in the excellent hands of Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has two studio albums behind him. He also has a large and growing bundle of music awards and released a sensational new album Live In London just a few weeks ago. If the name or his music is new to you then go check him out straight away. You won't regret it. 

Ingram is only 24 but has been gathering recognition and plenty of awards to his name already. He did though start at a very young age. Born in Clarkston, Mississippi he has his roots in the Mississippi Delta and its blues music. Ingram’s family encouraged his musical talent from an early age. Church singing, gospel music and early performances with his guitar all followed his father introducing him as a five year old to a Muddy Waters documentary. 

The name Kingfish came from blues legend Bill ‘Howl-n-Madd’ Perry who was teaching the young Ingram music. Initially unsure about using it, Ingram grew to like the way the king and fisher parts loosely linked back to blues legends B.B. King and Muddy Waters, and so it stuck.

It stuck so well that he titled his first album Kingfish when it came out in 2019. For a debut album by a then 20 year old, it was an enormous success winning many awards and accolades. In the world of the blues with its many elder and legendary figures, that's quite amazing at such a young age. 

He continued the success with his second album 662 in 2021. The title is the area code for north Mississippi Delta again reflecting those roots. Ingram picked up a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues album, ranking ahead of Joe Bonamassa. Impressive for sure.

Kingfish and his Blues Live In London

Somewhat out of the blue and without any great fanfare to trail it came his Live In London double album in September. It captures what must have been a brilliant night at the garage in London a few months earlier on June 6. His set that night, as confirmed by this release, shows another step forward in his talent and musical ability. 

Ingram has broadened and matured further. While those amazing blues licks are very present he’s added some funk, a bit of jazz and plenty of R&B. All with a soulful blues and gospel voice which works so well across that range of songs. 

Is the suggestion of him being the future of the blues a bit too far a statement or too early in his career? Not so according to the media with quotes from several sources on his website.

"Kingfish is one of the most exciting young guitarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince."

- Rolling Stone

"Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has already made his mark as one of the best, and undoubtedly most exciting, blues guitarists in the world."

- Guitar World

If you haven't caught up with him yet, the new live album is a great point to step in. It covers his two studio albums very well and helps show the additional maturity in his style and performance. It's a blues album to enjoy, the live audience certainly did. Get onboard now while we all wait for the next move from this current blues star and legend in waiting. 

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