C.W. Stoneking

C.W. Stoneking

C.W. Stoneking is an Australian blues musician, born in Katherine, Australia in 1974. He is associated with acoustic blues, blues, boogaloo and singer-songwriter material, and he describes his own approach as “Hokum Blues”, a style shaped by prewar blues, ragtime, vaudevillian novelty songs, old hillbilly music, jazz and calypso.

Early life and background

Stoneking is born in Katherine to Californian hippie parents who meet at a music festival. After his parents separate, he is raised by his father, who works as a teacher in the Aboriginal community of Papunya. While attending Balmain High School in Sydney, he develops an interest in blues music after finding some of his father’s blues recordings. At school he also knows Alex Lloyd, who shares that interest, and the two sometimes play together.

Musical style and influences

His influences include Blind Willie McTell, Big Bill Broonzy, Leroy Carr and Memphis Minnie. His music draws on older forms of blues alongside related popular and folk traditions, which gives it a distinctive sound within Australian blues.

Career and location

Stoneking lives in Footscray, Victoria. He is active as a touring artist in Australia and Europe.