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"These cables are the best! I've been using them for a while now! They haven't failed me yet! They literally give me a FAT sound!"
The GRAMMY-winning bluesman has long had an old soul. With the release of his new album, 'Hard Road,' on September 26, 2025 — Joshua M. Miller | GRAMMYs follows Ingram’s journey and evolution in five tracks.
GRAMMY-winning singer and guitarist Christone "Kingfish" Ingram sees the blues as his history and heritage.
Born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi — a city where blues music history was a short walk or drive away, recently brought to mainstream attention again as the locale for the film Sinners — Ingram was infatuated with various styles of roots music. Blues, country, gospel and other styles of music were a cornerstone of his family life. Ingram and his parents sang and played instruments in church, and family gatherings were always soundtracked by music.
The 26-year-old vividly recalls watching a Muddy Waters documentary as a 5-year-old with his father and being in awe of the power of blues. The Delta Blues Museum's educational programming filled him in further on the fundamentals of blues music. When he was in junior high, Ingram began gigging at local clubs in the area. In 2014, he got his biggest gig to that point — performing at the White House with the Delta Blues Museum's student band.
As he developed his craft, Ingram drew influence from the likes of B.B. King, Albert King, and Buddy Guy. He urgently wanted to dispel the myth that blues music was something only older generations listened to. He told GRAMMY.com in a 2022 interview that "there are definitely young kids and young Black kids that are into this style of music."
Ingram’s hard work, dedication and growing talent soon got the attention of more and more fans, including some notable veteran musicians. By age 18, he was already regularly playing with Gary Clark Jr. and Eric Gales. He also found an early supporter and mentor in Buddy Guy.
Released on the fabled label Alligator Records. Ingram's 2019 debut album, Kingfish leaned heavily into his love for the blues. The album featured a talented backing band that included Buddy Guy and Keb’ Mo’, and earned Ingram his first GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album. The album topped Billboard’s Blues Albums charts for an impressive 91 weeks and earned three Blues Music Awards, including Album of the Year
His 2021 sophomore album 662, with a title referring to Ingram's area code in Mississippi, found Ingram to reflect on the pandemic, the death of his mother, his upbringing, and musical journey. With the help of an equally talented backing group, Ingram further expanded his sonic palate, adding funk, R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop, and jazz textures to his blues foundation. For his efforts, Ingram took home his first golden gramophone for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
After receiving another Grammy nomination for his 2023 release Live In London, Ingram released Hard Road in September. 26, 2025 via his own Red Zero Records, the record is marketed as his most personal and ambitious to date. "I’ve been balancing fame, heartbreak, love, and relationships while trying to stay grounded, touring, creating, and maturing," Ingram said in press materials. "These songs are about owning my story. They’re about learning to see myself clearly and seeing others with more compassion. That’s changed the way I write, the way I play, and the way I live."
For those looking to get a taste of Ingram’s journey and evolution, here are five essential songs that highlight his sublime talent.
"Fresh Out" (Kingfish, 2019)
The second song on Ingram’s debut, "Fresh Out" finds the musician duetting with Buddy Guy in a rare upbeat blues song. The track still uses the traditional blues themes of struggle and sadness ("Ain’t got a drop of milk/For the corn flakes in my bowl/Fresh out/Baby I’m all fresh out/Ain’t had no lovin’ since the day ooh girl you went away/I’m fresh out"), but still manages to be hopeful.
Thematically, Kingfish is a celebration of a fresh start, possibly taking inspiration from Ingram’s own early humble beginnings as a musician.The melody and passion of this particular track demand repeated listens.
"Been Here Before" (Kingfish)
"Been Here Before" finds Ingram exploring the feeling you have more wisdom that defies your physical age: "Some kids like the greatest hits/But I dig Guitar Slim," he sings, referencing his own early interests. The song also focuses on the importance of family and heritage, referencing his grandmother’s prayers and teachings.
"Been Here Before" acts as something of an explainer, detailing Ingram's strong connection to the blues at a young age. Throughout, the track is bouyed by impeccable guitar strumming and strong vocals.
"That’s What You Do" (662, 2021)
"That’s What You Do" comes toward the end of 662 but perfectly captures the autobiographical nature of the album. If one were to be looking for a theme song for a working musician dealing with a relentless tour lifestyle — driving long distances, living out of a suitcase and more — this would be a great contender.
In "That’s What You Do," Ingram sings about the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of a touring musician, specifically a blues artist, to their craft. It’s all about love for music, and Igram's own skill further hammers that point home.
"Another Life Goes By" (662)
"Another Life Goes By" finds Ingram addressing issues of hate and prejudice, using both blues and rap to convey issues of injustice. It’s an urgent call to take action to break the cycle of violence and hate: "We need to pay attention to the helpless cries/We need to stop the madness before another life goes by."
Ingram’s vocals and instrumentation choices embolden that message. The Mississippi Mix version of the song, rapper Big K.R.I.T. adds his own flare to the track and highlights Ingram’s willingness to collaborate across genre.
"Nothin’ But Your Love" (Hard Road, 2025)
"Nothing But Your Love" is the third single released off Hard Road and features heartfelt lyrics with a jolt-to-the-system mix of R&B, rock and blues. In press materials, Ingram says that he can’t wait to play the "beautiful song" live, and judging from the studio cut it feels like it should create a great atmosphere during his show.
"Nothing But Your Love" has an engaging, up-tempo shuffling melody that fully allows Ingram’s singing and guitar playing to shine. Lyrically, the song is about the hopefulness that love can provide, and how it can help dealing with loss, perseverance, and finding one’s identity.
"These cables are the best! I've been using them for a while now! They haven't failed me yet! They literally give me a FAT sound!"
The GRAMMY-winning bluesman has long had an old soul. With the release of his new album, 'Hard Road,' on September 26, 2025 — Joshua M. Miller | GRAMMYs follows Ingram’s journey and evolution in five tracks.
GRAMMY-winning singer and guitarist Christone "Kingfish" Ingram sees the blues as his history and heritage.
Born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi — a city where blues music history was a short walk or drive away, recently brought to mainstream attention again as the locale for the film Sinners — Ingram was infatuated with various styles of roots music. Blues, country, gospel and other styles of music were a cornerstone of his family life. Ingram and his parents sang and played instruments in church, and family gatherings were always soundtracked by music.
The 26-year-old vividly recalls watching a Muddy Waters documentary as a 5-year-old with his father and being in awe of the power of blues. The Delta Blues Museum's educational programming filled him in further on the fundamentals of blues music. When he was in junior high, Ingram began gigging at local clubs in the area. In 2014, he got his biggest gig to that point — performing at the White House with the Delta Blues Museum's student band.
As he developed his craft, Ingram drew influence from the likes of B.B. King, Albert King, and Buddy Guy. He urgently wanted to dispel the myth that blues music was something only older generations listened to. He told GRAMMY.com in a 2022 interview that "there are definitely young kids and young Black kids that are into this style of music."
Ingram’s hard work, dedication and growing talent soon got the attention of more and more fans, including some notable veteran musicians. By age 18, he was already regularly playing with Gary Clark Jr. and Eric Gales. He also found an early supporter and mentor in Buddy Guy.
Released on the fabled label Alligator Records. Ingram's 2019 debut album, Kingfish leaned heavily into his love for the blues. The album featured a talented backing band that included Buddy Guy and Keb’ Mo’, and earned Ingram his first GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album. The album topped Billboard’s Blues Albums charts for an impressive 91 weeks and earned three Blues Music Awards, including Album of the Year
His 2021 sophomore album 662, with a title referring to Ingram's area code in Mississippi, found Ingram to reflect on the pandemic, the death of his mother, his upbringing, and musical journey. With the help of an equally talented backing group, Ingram further expanded his sonic palate, adding funk, R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop, and jazz textures to his blues foundation. For his efforts, Ingram took home his first golden gramophone for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
After receiving another Grammy nomination for his 2023 release Live In London, Ingram released Hard Road in September. 26, 2025 via his own Red Zero Records, the record is marketed as his most personal and ambitious to date. "I’ve been balancing fame, heartbreak, love, and relationships while trying to stay grounded, touring, creating, and maturing," Ingram said in press materials. "These songs are about owning my story. They’re about learning to see myself clearly and seeing others with more compassion. That’s changed the way I write, the way I play, and the way I live."
For those looking to get a taste of Ingram’s journey and evolution, here are five essential songs that highlight his sublime talent.
"Fresh Out" (Kingfish, 2019)
The second song on Ingram’s debut, "Fresh Out" finds the musician duetting with Buddy Guy in a rare upbeat blues song. The track still uses the traditional blues themes of struggle and sadness ("Ain’t got a drop of milk/For the corn flakes in my bowl/Fresh out/Baby I’m all fresh out/Ain’t had no lovin’ since the day ooh girl you went away/I’m fresh out"), but still manages to be hopeful.
Thematically, Kingfish is a celebration of a fresh start, possibly taking inspiration from Ingram’s own early humble beginnings as a musician.The melody and passion of this particular track demand repeated listens.
"Been Here Before" (Kingfish)
"Been Here Before" finds Ingram exploring the feeling you have more wisdom that defies your physical age: "Some kids like the greatest hits/But I dig Guitar Slim," he sings, referencing his own early interests. The song also focuses on the importance of family and heritage, referencing his grandmother’s prayers and teachings.
"Been Here Before" acts as something of an explainer, detailing Ingram's strong connection to the blues at a young age. Throughout, the track is bouyed by impeccable guitar strumming and strong vocals.
"That’s What You Do" (662, 2021)
"That’s What You Do" comes toward the end of 662 but perfectly captures the autobiographical nature of the album. If one were to be looking for a theme song for a working musician dealing with a relentless tour lifestyle — driving long distances, living out of a suitcase and more — this would be a great contender.
In "That’s What You Do," Ingram sings about the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of a touring musician, specifically a blues artist, to their craft. It’s all about love for music, and Igram's own skill further hammers that point home.
"Another Life Goes By" (662)
"Another Life Goes By" finds Ingram addressing issues of hate and prejudice, using both blues and rap to convey issues of injustice. It’s an urgent call to take action to break the cycle of violence and hate: "We need to pay attention to the helpless cries/We need to stop the madness before another life goes by."
Ingram’s vocals and instrumentation choices embolden that message. The Mississippi Mix version of the song, rapper Big K.R.I.T. adds his own flare to the track and highlights Ingram’s willingness to collaborate across genre.
"Nothin’ But Your Love" (Hard Road, 2025)
"Nothing But Your Love" is the third single released off Hard Road and features heartfelt lyrics with a jolt-to-the-system mix of R&B, rock and blues. In press materials, Ingram says that he can’t wait to play the "beautiful song" live, and judging from the studio cut it feels like it should create a great atmosphere during his show.
"Nothing But Your Love" has an engaging, up-tempo shuffling melody that fully allows Ingram’s singing and guitar playing to shine. Lyrically, the song is about the hopefulness that love can provide, and how it can help dealing with loss, perseverance, and finding one’s identity.
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