Lonnie Shields

Lonnie Shields cut his blues teeth performing with the "Jelly Roll Kings". Shields was brought up in a family where the church played a central role in daily life, and his gospel roots show through in everything he sings. He began playing soul and funk before discovering the Delta blues through his friend Sam Carr. Shields worked with Carr in the "Unforgettable Blues Band". Later, he discovered B.B. King, whom he considers his primary influence. His recording career has led him through several studios from Memphis and Clarksdale to tours all over the world. His music is deeply rooted in gospel, soul, and R&B.

Shields formed his first group when he was 15. Called the "Checkmates", they took their musical cues from the sounds of Earth, Wind, and Fire and the Isley Brothers. After the band broke up, Shields gave up playing guitar for some time until he met drummer Sam Carr in Lula, Mississippi. Carr was insistent that Shields learn to play authentic blues, and a short time later, he was out on the road with Carr, Frank Frost, and Big Jack Johnson.

After Shields played at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas in 1986, he was asked to record a single for the Rooster Blues label. This in turn led to his first album for Rooster Blues, released in 1993. The album got him noticed in the blues world and led to a broader touring base that included festival stops around the Northeast. He was the first Delta artist that Rooster Blues picked up after moving to Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1987. His CD "Portrait" was released in 1992. Since then he has gone on to release more CDs and build an impressive list of songwriter credits. Over the years, Lonnie has played with many Blues greats including Eddie Shaw.

Shields recorded and released "Tired of Waiting" (1996) and "Blues Is On Fire" (1997) for the London-based JSP Record label. A second Rooster Blues album, "Midnight Delight", was released in 2000. He continues to perform around the U.S., Europe, and Canada.

Lonnie's latest release "Keeper of The Blues" is his fifth CD. Lonnie now makes his home in Media, Pennsylvania. 

 (Lonnie Shields at Pennsylvania Blues Festival 2014)