Biography
Shemekia Copeland, born Charon Shemekia Copeland on April 10, 1979, in Harlem, New York City, is an acclaimed American electric blues vocalist known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. The daughter of Texas blues legend Johnny Clyde Copeland, she began performing at a young age, making her first public appearance at the Cotton Club in New York when she was just eight years old. After graduating from Teaneck High School in New Jersey, Copeland launched her professional career with the release of her debut album, 'Turn the Heat Up!', in 1998 at the age of 18. The album marked her as a rising force in blues and R&B, earning critical acclaim and a string of awards, including multiple Blues Music Awards and Living Blues Awards. Over the years, Copeland has released 12 studio albums, each showcasing her evolution as an artist and her ability to blend blues, soul, and Americana influences.
Copeland’s musical style is characterized by her authoritative voice, emotional depth, and fearless approach to songwriting. Her albums, such as 'Wicked' (2000), 'Talking to Strangers' (2002), and 'America’s Child' (2018), have received widespread recognition, including five Grammy nominations and numerous Blues Music Awards. She has performed at major festivals worldwide, including the Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai, and has headlined at venues like the Chicago Blues Festival. Copeland’s legacy is defined by her commitment to authenticity, her advocacy for social issues, and her role as a leading voice in contemporary blues music.
Fun Facts
- Shemekia Copeland was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2024 for Best American Roots Performance, Best American Roots Song, and Best Contemporary Blues Album.
- She won the Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2021.
- Copeland’s album 'America’s Child' was named the #1 blues release of the year by MOJO magazine in 2018.
- She is known for her fearless and honest songwriting, often addressing social and political issues in her music.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Johnny Clyde Copeland - Father and early musical mentor (Live performances at the Cotton Club) [1980s–1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Dr. John - Producer and collaborator (Talking to Strangers (2002)) [2002]
- Ruth Brown - Duet partner (Wicked (2000)) [2000]
- Steve Cropper - Producer (The Soul Truth (2005)) [2005]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Turn The Heat Up! | 1998-04-01 | Album |
| America's Child | 2018-08-03 | Album |
| Done Come Too Far | 2022-08-19 | Album |
| Uncivil War | 2020-10-23 | Album |
| Outskirts of Love | 2015-09-11 | Album |
| Talking To Strangers | 2002-09-17 | Album |
| Blame It On Eve | 2024-08-30 | Album |
| Wicked | 2000-09-12 | Album |
| The Soul Truth | 2005-08-16 | Album |
| Ske-Dat-De-Dat…The Spirit Of Satch | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| Deluxe Edition | 2011-01-18 | Album |
| 33 1/3 | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| Ske-Dat-De-Dat…The Spirit Of Satch | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| 33 1/3 | 2012-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Salt In My Wounds (Turn The Heat Up!)
- Married To The Blues (Turn The Heat Up!)
- Ghetto Child (Turn The Heat Up!)
- Long As I Can See The Light (Outskirts of Love)
- Don't Whisper (Talking To Strangers)
- Barefoot In Heaven (Done Come Too Far)
- Hit 'Em Back
- Ain't Got Time For Hate (America's Child)
- Would You Take My Blood? (America's Child)
- Money Makes You Ugly (Uncivil War)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #electric-blues, #gospel
References
Heard on WWOZ
Shemekia Copeland has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2025 | 15:41 | Better Not Touchfrom The Soul Truth | Bluesw/ DJ Giant | |
| Dec 12, 2025 | 20:51 | Steamy Windowsfrom Wicked | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Dec 12, 2025 | 14:31 | Strong Enoughfrom The Soul Truth | The Blues Breakdown | |
| Nov 26, 2025 | 13:43 | Lemon Piefrom 33 1-3 | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 15:06 | Blame It On Evefrom Blame It On Eve | Soul Serenadew/ Marc Stone |