20 Young Blues & Blues-Rock Trailblazers You Need To Know About

Photo: Ally Venable- Lindsay Steele, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram-Laura Carbone, Artur Menezes-Allison Morgan, Samantha Fish-Scott Lukes blues-rock

By Martine Ehrenclou & Mike O’Cull

As we break out into summer and break free of many of the pandemic restrictions, we wanted to highlight 20 young artists (under 40) who are making an impact on blues and blues/rock music. Each of the 20 is an outstanding guitarist or multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter. Even though a few have been professional for a number of years, starting their careers in their teens, we have included them because it was too difficult not too.

Purposely, we did not include artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Eric Gales, Joanna Connor, Josh Smith, Kirk Fletcher, and more, because they are already well-known and are part of spearheading these genres. It’s important to us to feature younger artists who will create the next generation of the music we love because we believe in paying it forward. Today’s upstarts could well be the top performers of tomorrow and we bring them and you, our amazing readers.

It will always be important to support and bring out new music. This is a continually evolving art form, after all, and the next record you buy could well be the best record you’ve ever heard. These 20 artists aren’t the only ones moving and shaking right now but they’re the younger ones we’re feeling today. If you love great blues and blues/rock, we know you’re going to feel them, too.

We welcome your comments in the comment section below.

Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram
Since the release of his debut album ‘Kingfish’ with Alligator Records, 22- year-old Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has become the defining voice of his generation. 7-time Blues Music Award winner and Grammy nominee, Ingram has risen to critical acclaim from his home town Clarksdale, Mississippi. An extraordinary blues and blues/rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, Ingram is to release his new album, ‘662’ on July 23 via Alligator Records.  Rolling Stone declared, “Kingfish is one of the most exciting young guitarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince.”
Info and video press here 

Eric Johanson
New Orleans roots/rock & blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Eric Johanson has been building an amazing reputation as a roots music giant. His organic mix of blues, roots music, and rock and roll has caught the attention of countless listeners since his debut solo album Burn It Down (produced by Tab Benoit) hit the pavement in 2017, followed by Below Sea Level (2020) produced by Luther Dickinson. Eric’s foray into stripped down acoustic roots music saw him very recently release Covered Tracks Vol 1 and Covered Tracks Vol 2, based on his acoustic livestream performances during the pandemic. He’s a top-tier slide guitarist, an expressive singer, and a master of both feel and vibe.
Info and video press here

Ally Venable
Still in her early 20s, Texas blues-rock guitar sensation Ally Venable riffs hard and comes on strong on her fourth album Heart of Fire produced by Jim Gaines. The album features guests Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Devon Allman and Cody Dickinson. A talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, Venable has released four albums including No Glass Shoes, Puppet Show, Texas Honey and Heart of Fire. A multi award-winner, Venable was featured in Guitar Player Magazine.
Info and video press here

Larkin Poe
Grammy nominated roots/rock and roll sister duo Larkin Poe is comprised of multi-instrumentalists Rebecca and Megan Lovell. From Atlanta and now living in Nashville, this duo features strong Southern harmonies, heavy guitar riffs, and slide guitar and beautiful vocals. Their studio albums include, Kin, Reskinned, Peach, Venom & Faith, Self Made Man and Kindred Spirits. These talented musicians never fail with their unique sound and style.
Info and video press here 

Marcus King
Blues/rock, Southern R&B artist, the 25-year-old Marcus King brings down the house with his superb guitar chops, soulful vocals and songwriting. His latest album, the Grammy nominated El Dorado was produced by Dan Auerbach, and features deeply soulful grooves to swaggering blues/rock. From Greenville, South Carolina, The Marcus King band released Soul Insight, The Marcus King Band and Carolina Confessions before his solo effort with El Dorado. Once considered a guitar and vocal phenom, he has now grown into his own.
Info and video press here

Jontavious Willis
2020 Grammy nominee Jontavious Willis is a young acoustic bluesman, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist. His latest album, Spectacular Class was produced by Grammy winning artists Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’. This gifted musician plays all types of blues-Delta, Piedmont, Texas and Gospel and his finger picking, flat picking and slide prowess are impressive.  A natural storyteller from Greenville, GA, Willis toured with Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo. His previous album is Blue Metamorphosis.
Info and video press here 

Artur Menezes
Based in Los Angeles, the Brazilian guitarist, singer, songwriter won the Gibson/Albert King Award for ‘Best Guitarist’ by The Blues Foundation and performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival. Artur blends blues with rock, funk and Brazilian rhythms. His latest album, Fading Away was produced by guitar great Josh Smith and features guest appearances by Smith and Joe Bonamassa. Fading Away is Artur’s fifth album, his second in the US. Highly talented musician.
Info and video press here 

Samantha Fish
From Kansas City, Samantha Fish is a force. Considered an electrifying guitarist, singer, songwriter, Fish has won tremendous critical acclaim and multiple awards for Best Contemporary Blues Artist, Best Guitarist, Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and many more. In the top rank of contemporary blues guitarists, her soulful voice is soulful and distinct. Riveting live, Fish owns the stage with fire and grit.  From contemporary blues, blues/rock and R&B, this artist’s sixth and latest album is Kill Or Be Kind. Fish is also a record producer and label owner of Wild Heart Records.
Info and video press here

Eric Steckel
Hailed by many as top rising star of blues/rock, Eric Steckel is a virtuosic guitar player, singer, songwriter and pianist, who brings an energy and passion to the stage that never disappoints. Steckel toured with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers on a Scandinavian tour at age 14. Since then he has shared the stage and opened for Ray Charles, Steve Vai, Gregg Allman, B.B. King, and Johnny Winter. Eric is known for his signature blues-metal style. With several albums to his name, his newest release is Grandview Drive.
Info and video press here

King Soloman Hicks
King Soloman Hicks is one of the brightest young blues stars to emerge in many years. He’s an intensely talented guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter inspired by the past but works hard to take his sound to new places. Hicks blends elements of blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, funk, and classic rock into a new, modern sound he can truly call his own. Hicks is part of a new generation of blues stars and runs near the head of that pack. His debut album Harlem will give you an excellent taste of his greatness.
Info and video press here 

Gary Clark Jr.  
Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr. is one of the most compelling and successful artists in American music today. He’s a thoroughly contemporary musician with classic roots, a killer voice, and guitar skills for days. Clark is also a fearless songwriter who doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics and social commentary or infusing his music with blues, rock, R&B, and hip-hop. He pushes genre boundaries in the best-possible way and any new music from him is a cause for celebration. His latest album is This Land.
Info and video press here  

Jackie Venson
Jackie Venson is a rapidly-rising star with amazing songs, big-time skills on guitar, keys, and vocals, and quite possibly the most genuine onstage smile since Eddie Van Halen. Based in Texas, Venson plays live with a band and also appears solo backed by samplers and loopers. This puts her in the vanguard of 21st Century roots music and there’s no telling what she’ll do next. Check her out for a glimpse of a future legend. Her latest album is Vintage Machine.
Jackie Venson website 
Jackie Venson video 

Davy Knowles
Guitarist and vocalist Davy Knowles first came to prominence with the blues/rock outfit Back Door Slam and has since grown into a top-tier solo artist in his own right. A native of the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, Knowles is influenced by Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mark Knopfler as well as Celtic music. He has appeared with The Who, Jeff Beck, Gov’t Mule, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Joe Bonamassa, Sonny Landreth, Peter Frampton, Joe Satriani and more. He’s a tone king and phrasing master who plays some of the hottest guitar going. If you don’t know him yet, you need to get hip. Davy inked a deal with Mascot Label group with a new album coming soon. Thanks to 1AnitrasDance (Natasha) for the video.
Info and video press here
Davy Knowles Video 

Orianthi
Orianthi is an Australian rock guitarist and songwriter with a tough tone and chops to burn. She was Michael Jackson’s last guitar player and has also worked with Alice Cooper and Steve Vai. She’s a solo artist of no small reputation as well as a respected touring player who had hit the road with Michael Bolton, James Durbin, and Dave Stewart. She’s a ripping guitarist who will be elevating the art of rock and roll for decades to come. Her new album is ‘O’
Info and video press here 

Tyler Bryant
Tyler Bryant and his band The Shakedown have built an accomplished career thus far based on a timeless blues/rock style and outstanding songwriting. Bryant has shared stages with artists including Chris Cornell, AC/DC, Aerosmith, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, ZZ Top and Guns N’ Roses and has done his own headlining tours of the U.K. and Europe. He’s a high-energy guitarist and vocalist who is already blowing our minds. Latest album is Pressure.
Info and video press here

Jared James Nichols
Nashville blues/rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Jared James Nichols is set to release his upcoming EP, Shadow Dancer on September 17, a follow up to his 2017 LP Black Magic. Known for his high-energy pick-less guitar playing and soul-stirring vocals, Nichols is joining the KISS Cruise alongside Nightranger, Queensryche and more. He’s performed over 400 live shows around the world and has played on stage with Slash, Billy Gibbons, Joe Bonamassa, Zakk Wylde, and the late Leslie West. He starts his US tour August 10.
Info and video press here

Quinn Sullivan
At 22 years old, Quinn Sullivan is a virtuosic guitar player, vocalist and songwriter who has been touring the world since he was 11 years old, playing Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl, RFK Stadium, and three Montreux Jazz Festivals. Sullivan Quinn shared the stage with his hero and mentor Buddy Guy for many years, as well as Carlos Santana. Sullivan released his new solo album, Wide Awake last month and moves into a new chapter with his solo album that is surely his breakout release.
Info and video press here

Nita Strauss 
Nita Strauss displays one of the most powerful guitar styles out there and has become a rock and roll phenomenon in recent
years. She holds down the lead guitar spot in Alice Cooper’s touring band and is also a continuously developing solo artist. She is also the first-ever female Ibanez signature artist with her own model guitar, the Ibanez JIVA10. She’s a major talent that all rock and metal fans need to experience. Latest album is Controlled Chaos with a second solo album expected this year. Thanks to Sumerian Records for the video.
Nita Strauss website 
Nita Strauss video

Joanne Shaw Taylor
Joanne Shaw Taylor is a British powerhouse blues/rock guitar player, singer, songwriter, now based in Detroit. With seven albums and her latest EP, Reckless Blues, Joanne established herself as the UK’s number one star of the blues/rock world. Touring around the world, and releasing critically acclaimed albums, she’s gained a global fan base as well as playing alongside some of the blues/rock greats. A powerful 6-string player, Joanne’s headed for the top.
Info and video press here

Danielle Nicole
Multi Blues Music Award-winner, vocalist, bassist, songwriter Danielle Nicole, is contemporary blues, blues/rock and R&B. From Kansas City, she released three solo albums before her latest, Cry No More, featuring guests Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Luther Dickinson, Walter Trout, Sonny Landreth, Tony Braunagel, and more. Previous to her solo career, Nicole was in the band Trampled Under Foot with her brothers Nick and Kris Schnebelen. A powerful and soulful singer, she was the first woman to be nominated for a BMA for her bass chops. Nicole is currently working on a new album.
Danielle Nicole website
Danielle Nicole Video