Shemekia Copeland

Shemekia Copeland

Shemekia Copeland is an American blues singer from Harlem, New York City. Born in 1979, she grows up in a musical family as the daughter of blues guitarist and singer Johnny Copeland. Her style is rooted in blues, electric blues and gospel, and she is also associated with soul-inflected singing.

Early career

Copeland begins singing as a child, and her father encourages her from the start. She appears on stage with him at the Cotton Club when she is eight. She starts pursuing a professional singing career seriously at 16, when her father's health declines; he takes her on tour as his opening act, which helps establish her name on the blues circuit.

Recordings and recognition

Copeland signs to Alligator Records, which releases her debut album, Turn the Heat Up!, in 1998. The album receives strong reviews and leads to touring on the blues festival circuit in the United States and Europe. Her second album, Wicked, follows in 2000 and includes a duet with Ruth Brown. That album earns her three W.C. Handy Blues Awards: Song of the Year, Blues Album of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year.

Her next album, Talking to Strangers, is produced by Dr. John. In 2005 she releases The Soul Truth, produced by Steve Cropper and issued by Alligator Records. Later, Never Going Back appears in 2009 on Telarc Blues and is produced by Oliver Wood of the Wood Brothers, and 33 1/3 follows in 2012, again produced by Wood and released on Telarc.

Style and influences

Copeland is described as a powerful, soul-inflected singer in the tradition of Koko Taylor and Etta James, while also capable of more subtle emotional expression. Her recorded work and performances place her within contemporary blues while drawing on classic rhythm and blues and gospel influences.