Biography
North Mississippi Allstars is a celebrated blues-rock band formed in 1996 in Hernando, Mississippi, by brothers Luther (guitar, vocals) and Cody Dickinson (drums, keyboards, electric washboard), joined by bassist Chris Chew. The sons of renowned Memphis producer and musician Jim Dickinson, Luther and Cody grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of North Mississippi, learning directly from local blues legends such as R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, and Otha Turner. Their early exposure to these artists, combined with their father's influence, shaped the band's deep connection to the region's hill country blues and southern rock roots.
The group quickly gained attention with their debut album, 'Shake Hands With Shorty' (2000), which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album and a W.C. Handy Award for Best New Artist Debut. Their subsequent albums, including '51 Phantom' (2001) and 'Electric Blue Watermelon' (2005), also received Grammy nominations, solidifying their reputation as leading innovators in modern blues. Over the years, the band has evolved its sound by blending traditional blues with rock, gospel, and improvisational elements, while maintaining a deep respect for their musical heritage. The Allstars have released a string of acclaimed albums and are recognized for their energetic live performances, often featuring collaborations with notable musicians from the blues and roots music communities.
Beyond their core trio, the Dickinson brothers have engaged in numerous side projects and collaborations, further expanding their musical reach. Luther has worked with the Black Crowes and formed groups like the South Memphis String Band and The Wandering, while Cody has led projects such as Hill Country Revue. The band's enduring legacy lies in their ability to honor the traditions of North Mississippi blues while continually pushing the genre forward, inspiring a new generation of musicians and fans.
Fun Facts
- The band's debut album title, 'Shake Hands With Shorty,' comes from an inside joke by R.L. Burnside, who would say it when he needed to excuse himself.
- Luther Dickinson is known for playing a custom cigar box guitar called the 'lowebow.'
- The Dickinson brothers' first national tour was backing R.L. Burnside, a formative experience that deeply shaped their musical direction.
- Cody Dickinson has performed with an electric washboard, adding a unique percussive element to the band's sound.
Members
- Chris Chew
- Cody Dickinson
- Luther Dickinson
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jim Dickinson - Father and primary musical influence; legendary Memphis musician and producer (Guided early musical development; inspiration for 'Keys to the Kingdom' album) [1970s–2010s]
- R.L. Burnside - Blues legend and neighbor; early mentor and touring partner (Ass Pocket of Whiskey tour; influence on debut album) [1990s]
- Junior Kimbrough - Local blues icon; direct influence through performances and community (Inspired band's approach to hill country blues) [1990s]
- Otha Turner - Fife and drum musician; family friend and musical elder (Influence on band's rhythmic style and community events) [1990s]
- Fred McDowell - Influential Mississippi bluesman; musical inspiration (Stylistic influence on guitar work) [Legacy influence (1960s–1990s)]
Key Collaborators
- Chris Chew - Original bassist and core band member (All studio and live albums (1996–2015+)) [1996–2015+]
- John Hiatt - Touring and recording collaborator (Master of Disaster album and tour)
- The Black Crowes - Luther Dickinson served as guitarist (Warpaint album, tours) [2007–2011]
- Hill Country Revue - Cody Dickinson's side project with Chris Chew and others (Hill Country Revue albums and live performances) [2008–present]
- South Memphis String Band - Luther Dickinson's side project with Alvin Youngblood Hart and Jimbo Mathus (Two albums and national tours) [2009–present]
- The Wandering - Luther Dickinson's folk project with Shannon McNally, Amy LaVere, Valerie June, Sharde Thomas (Go On Now, You Can't Stay Here album)
Artists Influenced
- Sharde Thomas - Granddaughter of Otha Turner; collaborator and next-generation roots musician (The Wandering, live performances) [2010s–present]
- Modern Southern blues and roots musicians - Inspired a new wave of artists to blend traditional blues with contemporary styles (Festival collaborations, mentorship, regional impact) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Up and Rolling | 2019-10-04 | Album |
| World Boogie Is Coming | 2013-01-01 | Album |
| Set Sail | 2022-01-28 | Album |
| Freedom & Dreams | 2015-02-17 | Album |
| Shake Hands With Shorty | 2000-05-09 | Album |
| Prayer for Peace | 2017-06-02 | Album |
| 51 Phantom | 2001-12-04 | Album |
| Hill Country Revue | 2005-10-12 | Album |
| Shake Hands With Shorty | 2000-05-29 | Album |
| Hernando | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Electric Blue Watermelon | 2005-09-06 | Album |
| World Boogie Is Coming (Deluxe Edition) | 2013-01-01 | Album |
| Do It Like We Used to Do (Live) | 2009-01-01 | Album |
| Keys to the Kingdom | 2011-01-01 | Album |
| Polaris | 2003-09-09 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Up and Rolling (Up and Rolling)
- Meet Me In the City (World Boogie Is Coming)
- Set Sail part I (featuring Lamar Williams Jr.) (Set Sail)
- See the Moon (featuring Lamar Williams Jr. and Sharisse Norman) (Set Sail)
- Mean Old World (Up and Rolling)
- What You Gonna Do? (Up and Rolling)
- Dyin' days (Freedom & Dreams)
- Catfish (Catfish)
- Rollin 'N Tumblin (World Boogie Is Coming)
- Shake 'Em On Down (Shake Hands With Shorty)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #blues-rock
Heard on WWOZ
North Mississippi Allstars has been played 11 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.