GARRY BURNSIDE

Biography

Garry Burnside is a prominent American blues musician, recognized for his mastery of the Hill Country blues style and his role in perpetuating the legacy of his legendary father, R.L. Burnside. Born in Coldwater, Mississippi and raised in Holly Springs, Garry grew up surrounded by music, learning guitar, bass, and drums from a young age. His early exposure to blues came not only from his family but also from the vibrant local scene, where he absorbed influences from artists like Albert Collins, Little Milton Campbell, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and B.B. King[1][2][7].

Burnside began performing publicly as a teenager, initially playing bass for Junior Kimbrough, a foundational figure in North Mississippi hill-country blues. After Kimbrough’s death in 1998, Garry launched his own band and shifted to lead guitar, developing a distinctive style he calls 'Funk Hill Country,' which blends traditional blues with elements of rock and funk[2][4][5]. He has collaborated with a range of artists, including the North Mississippi Allstars, Hill Country Revue, Bobby Rush, Beverly Davis, and his own family members such as Cedric Burnside and Duwayne Burnside[2][3][5]. His solo debut album, 'It’s My Time Now,' produced by Grammy winner Boo Mitchell, marks his emergence as a frontman and showcases his deep Southern grooves and soulful vocals[3][5].

Garry Burnside’s career is defined by his commitment to both preserving and innovating the blues tradition. He regularly performs at clubs and festivals throughout the South, teaches private lessons, and continues to record new music from his base in Ripley, Mississippi. His work honors the heritage of Hill Country blues while pushing its boundaries, ensuring its relevance for new generations[5][6].

Fun Facts

• Garry Burnside created his own blues subgenre called 'Funk Hill Country,' blending traditional blues with funk and rock elements[2][4].
• He made his recording debut at age 11, playing bass for Junior Kimbrough[2].
• Garry appeared as an actor and slide guitarist in the 2017 WC Handy Documentary[2].
• He moved to Ripley, Mississippi in 2019 and continued writing and recording music throughout the pandemic[5].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• R.L. Burnside - Father and primary musical mentor; taught Garry blues guitar and the Hill Country style. (Family performances, live shows, and recordings throughout Garry’s youth.) [1980s–2005]
• Junior Kimbrough - Neighbor and influential blues musician; Garry played bass and guitar in Kimbrough’s band. (Fat Possum recordings, national tours, live performances.) [Late 1980s–1998]

Key Collaborators

• Cedric Burnside - Nephew; frequent collaborator on albums and live performances. (Descendants of Hill Country Blues (Grammy-nominated, 2015)) [2010s–present]
• Duwayne Burnside - Brother; collaborated on live shows and recordings. (Various live performances and family projects.) [2000s–present]
• North Mississippi Allstars - Played bass and contributed to several albums. (Multiple North Mississippi Allstars albums.) [Late 1990s–2010s]
• Bobby Rush - Collaborated on recordings and live performances. (Various blues projects.) [2000s–present]
• Hill Country Revue - Collaborator and performer. (Band performances and recordings.) [2000s]
• Beverly Davis - Collaborator in performances and blues education. (Live shows and educational workshops.) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Cedric Burnside - Nephew and protégé; Garry’s playing and teaching have shaped Cedric’s approach to Hill Country blues. (Descendants of Hill Country Blues, solo projects.) [2010s–present]
• Various Mississippi blues musicians - As a teacher and performer, Garry has mentored younger artists and students in the Hill Country tradition. (Private lessons, festival workshops.) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. AGF Out (AGF Out)
2. 3 Women (The Promise)
3. Hoochie Coochie Man (North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic, Vol. III)
4. Promise My Dad (The Promise)
5. Don't Mess with My Woman (The Promise)
6. I Been Looking (The Promise)
7. Young Country Boy (Young Country Boy)
8. AGF Out (Young Country Boy)
9. Garry's Nite Out (The Promise)
10. Intro N E (The Promise)

External Links

• Spotify