KENT BURNSIDE

Biography

Kent Burnside, born in 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee, is the eldest grandson of the legendary Hill Country bluesman R.L. Burnside. Raised in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Kent grew up immersed in the North Mississippi Hill Country blues tradition, working the fields and witnessing his grandfather's house parties where music brought together people from all backgrounds. His earliest musical experiences included selling sandwiches to crowds at the family farm and receiving his first guitar lesson from R.L. at age nine, who taught him the importance of finding his own rhythm and voice in the blues.

Kent's professional career began with guitarist and vocalist Jimbo Mathus for Fat Possum Records, and his big break came in the early 2000s when he toured with Buddy Guy, helping to shape his signature style: dark, hypnotic, soulful, and danceable. Over the past two decades, Kent has fronted his own bands, performing at major blues festivals and clubs worldwide, including collaborations with his uncle Garry Burnside and drummer Jake Best. His music blends Mississippi Hill Country, Delta, Chicago Blues, and blues-rock, honoring tradition while forging a contemporary sound. His recent album, 'Hill Country Blood,' produced by Grammy winner Boo Mitchell, features original compositions and covers of blues classics, further cementing his role as a torchbearer for the genre.

Kent Burnside's legacy lies in his ability to bridge generations, keeping the Hill Country blues alive while infusing it with modern energy. His performances are renowned for their raw power and ability to engage audiences, ensuring that the spirit of Mississippi blues continues to resonate with new listeners around the world.

Fun Facts

• Kent Burnside sold sandwiches to the audience at his grandfather's house parties as a child, witnessing the power of music to unite people.
• Bruce Willis once joined Kent Burnside on stage for a jam session, playing harmonica.
• Kent helped Samuel L. Jackson prepare for his bluesman role in the film 'Black Snake Moan' (2007).
• Dan Aykroyd, of Blues Brothers fame, is a big fan and supporter of Kent's work, having collaborated with him on stage shows.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• R.L. Burnside - Grandfather and primary musical mentor; taught Kent his first guitar lesson and encouraged him to develop his own style. (Family house parties, informal lessons, influence on Kent's albums) [1970s–2005]

Key Collaborators

• Jimbo Mathus - Early career collaborator; Kent played guitar in Mathus' post-Squirrel Nut Zippers band for Fat Possum Records. (Touring band, Fat Possum Records projects) [2005–2006]
• Buddy Guy - Kent toured as opening act for Buddy Guy, which helped launch his solo career. (Five-week tour, appearances at Buddy Guy’s Legends) [Early 2000s]
• Garry Burnside - Uncle and frequent bandmate; plays bass on Kent's recordings and tours. ('Hill Country Blood' album, live performances) [2010s–present]
• Jake Best - Long-time drummer in Kent's band. ('Hill Country Blood' album, live performances) [2010s–present]
• Damian Pearson - Harmonica player featured on Kent’s recent recordings. ('Hill Country Blood' album) [2020s]
• Dan Aykroyd - Worked together on Blues Brothers stage shows; Aykroyd is a fan and supporter. (Blues Brothers stage shows) [2000s]
• Samuel L. Jackson - Kent helped Jackson prepare for his role in 'Black Snake Moan' (2007). ('Black Snake Moan' film preparation) [2007]

Artists Influenced

• The Flood Brothers - Kent regularly performs and records with The Flood Brothers, influencing their approach to Hill Country blues. ('Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers' (2016)) [2010s–present]
• The New Savages - Australian blues band toured with Kent, citing his influence on their sound. (Australian tour (2019)) [2019]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Daddy Told Me (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)
2. Can't Stop Me (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)
3. Daddy Told Me (Daddy Told Me)
4. I Go Crazy (I Go Crazy)
5. I'm in Love (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)
6. Catfish Blues (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)
7. Last Night (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)
8. Liar Cheater (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)
9. Hangin' Around (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)
10. Be Your Man (Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz