Shemekia Copeland
NewMusicforOldFolks says …
Nobody since Etta James has belted out the blues like Shemieka Copeland. When the Obama's decided to do a Blues night at the White House, along with B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Mick Jagger they called Shamekia. Barack and Michelle weren't disappointed either as she and Gary Clark Jr. combined on her song "Beat Up Old Guitar" — a tribute to Shemekia's father, blues legend Johnny Copleland. I'd start at the beginning with Turn the Heat Up. Or you could go with 2015's Outskirts of Love.
Artist's info
Website: shemekiacopeland.com
See Him Live: Tour dates
Record company: Alligator Records
Genre: Blues
If you like this, look into: Susan Tedieski, Ruthie Foster, Koko Taylor
Bio (From artist's website)
While only in her early 30s, two-time GRAMMY® nominee Shemekia Copeland is already a force to be reckoned with in the blues. She’s opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and numerous festivals around the world, scored critics choice awards on both sides of the Atlantic (The New York Times and The Times of London), shared the stage with such luminaries as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Mick Jagger, and Eric Clapton, and has even performed at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama. Heir to the rich tradition of soul-drenched divas like Ruth Brown, Etta James and Koko Taylor, the singer was presented with Taylor’s crown by her daughter, Cookie, on June 12, 2011 at the Chicago Blues Festival and given the honor of the new “Queen of the Blues” by official proclamation of the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. (more)
Spotify sampler
Recordings
Most Recent
OUTSKIRTS OF LOVE (2015): Whether she’s belting out a raucous blues-rocker, firing up a blistering soul-shouter, bringing the spirit to a gospel-fueled R&B rave-up or digging deep down into a subtle, country-tinged ballad, Shemekia Copeland sounds like no one else. With a voice that is alternately sultry, assertive and roaring, Shemekia’s wide-open vision of contemporary blues, roots and soul music showcases the evolution of a passionate artist with a modern musical and lyrical approach. The Chicago Tribune said Copeland delivers "gale force singing and power" with a "unique, gutsy style, vibrant emotional palette and intuitive grasp of the music." Copeland’s return to Alligator Records with Outskirts Of Love (she recorded four albums for the label from 1998 through 2006) finds her at her most charismatic, performing roots rock, Americana, and blues with power and authority, nuance and shading.
33 1/3 (2012): Early in 2012, Shemekia participated in two tribute concerts celebrating recently departed great Hubert Sumlin and Robert Johnson s centennial, both at New York s Apollo Theater in Harlem, not far from the neighborhood where Shemekia spent her childhood. Those nights she was a featured attraction along with Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Derek Trucks, Elvis Costello and Taj Mahal. Clearly, she's risen to the top of the field and that reckoning is underscored with the album release of 33 1/3. For Shemekia, it s all about ushering the blues an art form that stretches back to the early 1900's into a fast-paced new century and keeping the music true to its roots, making it relevant to a new generation. Her latest step in this ongoing journey is 33 1/3, an 11-song CD set culled from a variety of high-profile sources, including Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, pater familias Johnny Clyde Copeland and Randy Weeks. Shemekia weaves it all together with assistance from a skilled studio crew: guitarist/producer Oliver Wood (Wood Brothers), bassist Ted Pecchio (Susan Tedeschi) and drummer Gary Hansen. Various guest musicians step in along the way, including the Buddy Guy.
OTHERS
Turn The Heat Up (1998)
Wicked (2000)
Talking to Strangers (2002)
The Soul Truth (2005)
Never Going Back (2009)
Shemekia Copeland - Deluxe Edition (2011)
