Christone “Kingfish” Ingram selects his top six most influential blues guitar albums
Renowned blues guitar virtuoso, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, made a significant impact on the music scene a decade ago as a young prodigy hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi. A new chapter unfolds in his musical journey with the release of his latest album, “Hard Road,” under his new label, Red Zero Records, accompanied by an upcoming global tour to showcase his modern blues prowess.
Enthusiasts familiar with Ingram’s electrifying performances featuring soulful vocals and scorching lead guitar from his iconic Fender Telecaster Deluxe anticipate a phenomenal musical experience. With standout guitar moments that captivate listeners, “Hard Road” promises a blend of contemporary blues magic. However, beyond this exciting release, delving into the albums that served as pivotal influences for Kingfish sheds light on his musical roots and evolution into a blues titan in 2025.
Ingram graciously shares his top six influential blues albums that shaped his musical journey in his own words. Albert King’s timeless masterpiece “I’ll Play The Blues For You” holds a special place in Kingfish’s heart, with the title track marking the first song he learned to play on bass. The album resonates with Ingram due to King’s authoritative yet soulful blues style, particularly evident in the track “Answer To The Laundromat Blues.” The raw intensity and depth of emotion in King’s playing left an indelible mark on Kingfish’s musical sensibilities.
Adding to his list of formative albums, Ingram highlights “Showdown” by Albert Collins, Robert Cray, and Johnny Copeland as a classic gem in blues history. Specifically, Johnny Copeland’s scorching guitar solo in the track “T-Bone Shuffle” inspired Kingfish, shaping his own fiery soloing style evident in his performances. Moving on, the iconic “Live At The Regal” by BB King emerges as a cornerstone of classic blues, exemplifying timeless guitar work that profoundly impacted Ingram’s musical journey.
Ingram’s influences extend beyond traditional blues, with the groundbreaking work of Jimi Hendrix showcased in the album “Are You Experienced?” The ethereal beauty of the track “May This Be Love” captivated Kingfish, highlighting Hendrix’s mastery of R&B chordal influences and rhythmic guitar prowess. As Kingfish delves into funk and blues phrasing, another influential figure emerges in the form of Johnny Guitar Watson, particularly through the album “A Real Mother For Ya.” Ingram attributes his funk-inspired guitar playing and phrasing style to the dynamic and expressive tunes found in Watson’s work.
Seeking to expand the horizon of musical influence, Ingram acknowledges Curtis Mayfield’s seminal work “Superfly” as a prophetic album that resonates with contemporary issues and musical innovation. Embracing a multifaceted approach to music, Kingfish embodies a spirit of creative freedom, transcending genre boundaries while staying true to his blues roots. Through his record label, Red Zero Records, Ingram aims to pave the way for young blues-based musicians, echoing the support he received as a budding artist.
Kingfish’s eclectic musical journey underscores the enduring impact of blues as the foundational root of various music genres. Embracing his unique blend of blues-rock, soul, and diverse musical influences, Ingram consistently pays homage to his blues heritage while showcasing a dynamic and progressive musical vision. As he continues to evolve as a musician, Kingfish’s commitment to showcasing the blues’ enduring influence shines through, enriching his musical repertoire with a touch of blues essence in every note he plays.