A prodigy emerging from the storied crossroads of American blues, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram represents a powerful bridge between blues legends of the past and the genre’s future. Born on January 19, 1999, in Clarksdale, Mississippi—at the historic intersection of Highways 61 and 49—Ingram absorbed the rich musical heritage of his birthplace from an early age. His family’s musical background provided fertile ground for his developing talent, as he progressed from drums and bass to the guitar that would become his signature instrument.
Born in the cradle of the blues, Kingfish Ingram stands as a living bridge between past legends and the genre’s tomorrow.
The Delta Blues Museum became Ingram’s classroom, where mentors Richard “Daddy Rich” Crisman and Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry recognized his extraordinary potential. By age 16, while still performing at local venues like Ground Zero Blues Club, Ingram received the 2015 Rising Star Award from The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, signaling his emergence as a significant talent. His early career included a prestigious performance at the White House for First Lady Michelle Obama, representing the Delta Blues Museum’s student musicians program.
Ingram’s 2019 debut album, simply titled *Kingfish*, catapulted him to national recognition. Released on Alligator Records, the album earned a Grammy nomination and swept five Blues Music Awards in 2020, including Album of the Year. Major publications such as Rolling Stone and Guitar World quickly identified him as the defining blues voice of his generation, featuring him prominently on magazine covers throughout 2020 and 2021.
Throughout his ascent, Ingram has maintained close relationships with blues legends, particularly Buddy Guy, who serves as both mentor and collaborator. Working with producer Tom Hambridge, who also produces Guy’s recordings, Ingram has created music that honors traditional blues while incorporating contemporary influences. This connection to established artists guarantees the continuation of blues traditions through a fresh voice. Unlike many aspiring musicians, Ingram focused on consistent releases to build his devoted fanbase while establishing his unique sound. His sophomore album “662,” named after the North Mississippi area code, further solidified his reputation as an innovative force in modern blues. Beyond touring, Ingram has diversified his income through sync licensing deals, ensuring financial stability where many blues predecessors struggled. Fans can experience his groundbreaking performances at the upcoming Fort Mose venue on Sunday, February 19, with special guest Tinsley Ellis.
Tragically, Ingram faced a significant personal loss when his mother, Princess Pride Ingram, died during his early career rise. Despite this devastating setback, he channeled his grief into his music, adding emotional depth to performances while maintaining the touring schedule his mother had helped establish.
