Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Saturday, June 28th – 5:30pm @ Wheeler Opera House

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Ingram’s journey began in the city of Clarksdale, in Coahoma County, Mississippi, just 10 miles from the legendary crossroads of Highways 61 and 49. Born to a family of singers and musicians, he fell in love with music as a child, initially playing drums and then bass. At a young age, he got his first guitar and quickly soaked up music from Robert Johnson to Lightnin’ Hopkins, from B.B. King to Muddy Waters, from Jimi Hendrix to Prince. Through classes at the Delta Blues Museum, he learned the history of the blues and the basics of how to play them.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, the blues guitar prodigy making waves in the music world:

 1. Blues Prodigy from a Young Age

Christone Ingram was born on January 19, 1999, in Clarksdale, Mississippi—the cradle of the blues. He began playing bass at 5 and picked up the guitar by 11.

2. Mentored by Blues Legends

He was mentored by established blues artists like Buddy Guy and Keb’ Mo’. Buddy Guy has publicly praised Kingfish, calling him “the next explosion of the blues.”

3. Appeared on TV at 14

At just 14 years old, he performed on the TV series Luke Cage (Season 2), giving him widespread visibility beyond the blues community.

 4. Grammy-Winning Artist

Kingfish won his first Grammy Award in 2022 for Best Contemporary Blues Album with his album 662, named after his Mississippi area code.

 5. Multiple Blues Music Awards

He has won several Blues Music Awards including “Best Emerging Artist,” “Guitarist of the Year,” and “Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year.”

6. Powerful Voice and Guitar Skills

He’s not just a guitarist—Kingfish is also praised for his soulful and powerful voice, which blends traditional blues with modern sensibilities.

 7. Debut Album Was a Breakout

His debut album Kingfish (2019) was a breakout success and received a Grammy nomination, launching his career into overdrive.

8. Tours Worldwide

Christone has toured across the United States and internationally, sharing stages with legends and headlining his own shows, spreading blues to a new generation.

9. Trained at Delta Blues Museum

He studied music at the Delta Blues Museum’s Arts and Education Program in Clarksdale, where his talent was first nurtured and recognized.

10. Blending Genres

While rooted in blues, Kingfish incorporates elements of rock, funk, and soul into his music, making his sound appealing to a broader audience.