Keb' Mo' is the performing name of Kevin Moore, an American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. Born in 1951 in South Los Angeles, he begins recording in the early 1970s and develops a style that combines acoustic blues, delta blues and modern singer-songwriter elements.

Early career

He first records with Jefferson Airplane violinist Papa John Creach, who hires him when he is 21. Moore appears on four of Creach’s albums. He later spends a long period in the Whodunit Band, led by producer Monk Higgins, who is associated with Bobby “Blue” Bland. He also jams with Albert Collins and Big Joe Turner.

Solo work

Moore releases his debut album in 1994. In 1996 he issues Just Like You, which includes guest appearances from Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. He continues to record as Keb' Mo' on his own labels, including Keb’ Mo’ Music, Kebnote Music and Kevin Moore Music.

Collaborations and appearances

He appears on a duet with Amy Grant on Amy Grant: Greatest Hits 1986-2004 in 2004, and the track becomes a modest pop radio success. In 2005 he appears on Buddy Guy’s version of “Ain’t No Sunshine” alongside Tracy Chapman, and he also appears on Eric Clapton’s album Back Home. In 2006 he co-writes “I Hope” with the Dixie Chicks for Taking the Long Way. He contributes vocals to Marcus Miller’s 2007 album Free on “Milky Way” and again to Miller’s 2008 album Marcus.

Style and recognition

His work is associated with contemporary blues, acoustic blues and delta blues. He is known for merging traditional Delta blues with modern acoustic singer-songwriter writing, and for a detailed guitar style. One track, “I See Love”, is used as the opening theme for the television sitcom Mike & Molly. He also appears in Martin Scorsese’s film about the blues.

Other details

He is sometimes described as a musician whose songs incorporate a strong sense of faith in humanity, and the name Zulu is listed among the members connected with him.