Due to the level of his talent and success, it's difficult to believe that Christone "Kingfish" Ingram is only twenty years old. The Clarksdale native is a versatile artist whose passion for creating music was evident from the first time he picked up an instrument at the young age of three years old. "I can remember it like it was yesterday. I initially started playing the drums and then moved to bass and then to the guitar. For me, playing music is incredibly empowering. I was obviously not a great drummer immediately, but there was something about how holding an instrument makes me feel. It made me want to be a great player. It made me want to practice, to play that instrument every day," says Kingfish.
Practice he did, by the age of thirteen Kingfish was fluent in all three instruments. With the unwavering support of his parents and extended family, Kingfish began training at the Delta Blues Museum under the tutelage of Richard "Daddy Rich" Chrisman and Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry. "I have some really fantastic memories of learning my craft there," smiles Kingfish. He credits his upbringing for fueling his passion for performance. As a child, he spent time taking in the rich sounds of gospel music that flooded his church. Further, both his mother and father were musically inclined, creating an environment at home that nurtured Kingfish's dreams of becoming a musician. "My mother has been right by my side through everything, including his musical journey and my father gave me the seeds of musical influence that I believe my own personal style grew from," says Kingfish.
The versatility of Kingfish's musical style reflects the depth of his talent as a young artist. Influenced by a whole host of musicians, ranging from the Delta Blues of Muddy Waters to the Electric Blues of B.B. King, and to the Rock of Jimi Hendrix and Prince, Kingfish's personal style is an original sound that is a distinct combination of these great artists. "It is very important to me to create a sound and style of playing that is uniquely, and definitely my own," says Kingfish. His unique style and talent has landed him on stage next to legendary artists like Bob Margolin, Eric Gales, and Buddy Guy, to name a few. Kingfish has traveled across the country delighting audiences at music festivals and performance venues. He has had the opportunity to perform on the international stage, television, and even at the White House for former First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Having graduated from high school in May 2017, Kingfish was able to focus on producing his first record that released in early 2019. "Vocally I really am coming into my own with this project. I love singing and I truly hope that people enjoy what I've done on my debut record. Right now, I'm really trying to focus on my songwriting; I have a lot to say! I really am excited about putting this project out there. I appreciate every bit of support I've gotten as a musician that has gotten me to here. All I know is that I couldn't have done this alone, there are so many people over the years who have been great to me during this journey. My real hope is that I'll continue to be blessed with the ability to make good music and that throughout this journey I will have the opportunity to say thank you to many, many more people along the way," says Kingfish. "The biggest piece of advice I would give other aspiring artists is to never give up, always work hard, and be good to people. I am only twenty, but I have been playing instruments a very long time; there is no such thing as overnight success. I am a big believer that if someone is willing to put the time and effort into a dream, then it will come true."
Much like the Mississippi artists that have come before him, Kingfish finds inspiration in the place he is proud to call home. "This is the place I was born and raised, there will always be lots of love in my heart for Mississippi. There is something special about the memories that I have from growing up here that will always be with me, no matter where I go or where I'm performing. I've been blessed to travel the world by way of my music, but there really is nothing better than coming home to the Delta. I would love for people to know that the Mississippi Delta is so much more than just its music. It's a community that is famous for its music, but is rich with some of the best, most down to earth people in the world. I hope that people that visit the Delta take that understanding with them when they go," smiles Kingfish.
Practice he did, by the age of thirteen Kingfish was fluent in all three instruments. With the unwavering support of his parents and extended family, Kingfish began training at the Delta Blues Museum under the tutelage of Richard "Daddy Rich" Chrisman and Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry. "I have some really fantastic memories of learning my craft there," smiles Kingfish. He credits his upbringing for fueling his passion for performance. As a child, he spent time taking in the rich sounds of gospel music that flooded his church. Further, both his mother and father were musically inclined, creating an environment at home that nurtured Kingfish's dreams of becoming a musician. "My mother has been right by my side through everything, including his musical journey and my father gave me the seeds of musical influence that I believe my own personal style grew from," says Kingfish.
The versatility of Kingfish's musical style reflects the depth of his talent as a young artist. Influenced by a whole host of musicians, ranging from the Delta Blues of Muddy Waters to the Electric Blues of B.B. King, and to the Rock of Jimi Hendrix and Prince, Kingfish's personal style is an original sound that is a distinct combination of these great artists. "It is very important to me to create a sound and style of playing that is uniquely, and definitely my own," says Kingfish. His unique style and talent has landed him on stage next to legendary artists like Bob Margolin, Eric Gales, and Buddy Guy, to name a few. Kingfish has traveled across the country delighting audiences at music festivals and performance venues. He has had the opportunity to perform on the international stage, television, and even at the White House for former First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Having graduated from high school in May 2017, Kingfish was able to focus on producing his first record that released in early 2019. "Vocally I really am coming into my own with this project. I love singing and I truly hope that people enjoy what I've done on my debut record. Right now, I'm really trying to focus on my songwriting; I have a lot to say! I really am excited about putting this project out there. I appreciate every bit of support I've gotten as a musician that has gotten me to here. All I know is that I couldn't have done this alone, there are so many people over the years who have been great to me during this journey. My real hope is that I'll continue to be blessed with the ability to make good music and that throughout this journey I will have the opportunity to say thank you to many, many more people along the way," says Kingfish. "The biggest piece of advice I would give other aspiring artists is to never give up, always work hard, and be good to people. I am only twenty, but I have been playing instruments a very long time; there is no such thing as overnight success. I am a big believer that if someone is willing to put the time and effort into a dream, then it will come true."
Much like the Mississippi artists that have come before him, Kingfish finds inspiration in the place he is proud to call home. "This is the place I was born and raised, there will always be lots of love in my heart for Mississippi. There is something special about the memories that I have from growing up here that will always be with me, no matter where I go or where I'm performing. I've been blessed to travel the world by way of my music, but there really is nothing better than coming home to the Delta. I would love for people to know that the Mississippi Delta is so much more than just its music. It's a community that is famous for its music, but is rich with some of the best, most down to earth people in the world. I hope that people that visit the Delta take that understanding with them when they go," smiles Kingfish.
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