Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – The Future of the Blues Is Now
I’ll never forget the first time I heard Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.
He couldn’t have been more than 19, but the way he bent a single note… it hit like B.B., burned like Buddy, and grooved like Hendrix.
But it wasn’t just his skill. It was his soul.
Right then and there, I knew:
This kid isn’t just the future of the blues. He’s the right-now.
Born in the Heart of the Blues
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1999—the same land that gave us Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker.
And he grew up surrounded by blues history, but more than that, he absorbed it.
By the time most kids were figuring out homework, Kingfish was already wowing the local juke joints.
By his teens, he was being called a prodigy by legends like Buddy Guy, and Eric Gales called him “a once-in-a-generation talent.”
I couldn’t agree more.
The Sound: Young Blood, Old Soul
Kingfish plays like he’s got a century of blues in his DNA:
- 🎸 His guitar tone is huge, expressive, and full of feeling. He can make it scream, cry, or whisper.
- 🎤 His voice is deep and powerful—sounding more seasoned than guys twice his age.
- 🎶 His songs are personal, real, and rooted in tradition but never stuck in the past.
He doesn’t copy the greats—he learns from them and builds something new.
Whether it’s an explosive solo or a slow-burning ballad, every note says:
“I’m here. I’ve got something to say. And you’re gonna feel it.”
Albums That Made Me a Lifelong Fan
If you haven’t heard Kingfish yet, do yourself a favor and start with these:
- 💿 Kingfish (2019) – His debut. Raw, fearless, and jaw-droppingly good.
- 🎧 662 (2021) – A Grammy-winning masterpiece. More personal, more refined, and totally next level.
- 🔥 Live in London (2023) – Proof that he’s not just a studio artist—he owns the stage.
And don’t skip songs like “Outside of This Town,” “Rock & Roll,” “Fresh Out,” and “Long Distance Woman.”
These aren’t just good blues tracks—they’re modern classics.
Seeing Kingfish Live – A Spiritual Experience
I had the chance to see Christone “Kingfish” Ingram live, and I swear, it was one of the most powerful shows I’ve ever witnessed.
He walked out with quiet confidence, plugged in, and then set the whole place on fire.
But it wasn’t just about volume or speed. It was the way he told stories without even opening his mouth.
And when he did sing? Chills.
During his solo on “Empty Promises,” I looked around and saw grown folks with tears in their eyes.
That’s what Kingfish does. He moves people.
Why Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Matters
There are lots of young players with chops.
But Kingfish has heart, history, and purpose.
He’s not trying to “revive” the blues. He’s not mimicking the past.
He’s living the blues, in his own voice, for his generation.
He gives me hope that the music I love—this deep, gritty, soul-saving music—isn’t going anywhere.
Because artists like Kingfish are here to carry the torch. And man… is he carrying it high.
Where to Start If You’re New
Your Kingfish starter kit:
- 🎧 Kingfish – Start at the beginning.
- 💿 662 – His Grammy-winning record and emotional peak.
- 🎙️ Live in London – For the full power of his stage show.
- 📺 YouTube: Search “Kingfish NPR Tiny Desk” or “Christone Kingfish Ingram live solo” and be prepared to feel something.
More at christonekingfishingram.com
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram didn’t just show up to the blues scene—he redefined it.
And every time he plugs in that guitar, he reminds me why I fell in love with this music in the first place.
🎸💙🔥
Video
Thank You
We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.