Kirk Fletcher is a blues guitarist and singer from Bellflower, California. Born in 1975, he begins playing guitar at the age of eight after watching his brother Walter perform at their father’s Baptist church. A formative experience comes in 1988, when he attends the Long Beach Blues Festival and sees Albert Collins, Bobby “Blue” Bland and the Staple Singers, which strengthens his commitment to blues music.

Early development

In the mid-1990s, Fletcher is mentored by Al Blake of the Hollywood Fats Band. Through Blake he meets Junior Watson and later Kim Wilson, connections that lead to work with Wilson’s Blues Revue. He appears on the group’s Grammy-nominated album Smokin’ Joint, which is nominated in 2001.

Recording and touring career

Fletcher’s solo recording career develops through Delta Groove Music, where his debut Shades Of Blue is released in 2004. Kim Wilson appears on the album alongside Janiva Magness and Finis Tasby. Fletcher then spends three years touring with Charlie Musselwhite. He later joins The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Wilson, while also recording with Lynwood Slim, The Mannish Boys and The Hollywood Blue Flames.

Later work

In 2007, Fletcher leaves The Fabulous Thunderbirds to focus on his own music and resume his solo career. His playing is associated with blues guitar, especially a Stratocaster-based sound, bent notes and tightly phrased riffs, and he is recognised for working both as a sideman and as a bandleader.