Shemekia Copeland biography

Shemekia Copeland – Born: 1979, New York, New York

Copeland began appearing on stage with her father, Texas bluesman Johnny Copeland, as a child, and as a teenager she toured with him as his opening act, stunning audiences with a confident stage presence which seemed to belie her youth. Her vocal prowess matches her charisma as a performer. At the age of 19, Copeland released her debut album, inspiring comparisons to blues legends Etta James and Koko Taylor. By 2002 Copeland had released two more albums to critical acclaim, and won three of the blues’ prestigious W.C. Handy awards. She has worked with Ruth Brown, one of her original influences, as well as Dr. John and others.

Shemekia Copeland on record

Essential listening: “The Other Woman,” “I Always Get My Man,” “Have Mercy,” “Your Mama’s Talking,” “Not Tonight,” “The Push I Need”