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Kingfish’s Blues Fire Scorches Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

By Larry Philpot on June 17, 2025

The Kentucky afternoon was heating up on June 1, 2025, when Christone “Kingfish” Ingram hit the Limestone Stage at Railbird Festival. His 2:00 p.m. set unleashed raw, electric blues, shaking Lexington’s Red Mile with soulful power. Consequently, the crowd, now filling the infield, roared for his blistering guitar. For 45 minutes, this Clarksdale prodigy brought Mississippi Delta fire, electrifying Day 2 with unmatched skill.

File Photo: Christone Kingfish Ingram and his band performs in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on June 1, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

His performance was a masterclass in blues grit and heart. For instance, he opened with “Midnight Heat,” its searing riffs grabbing fans fast. Meanwhile, Kingfish’s vocals carried a deep, weathered ache, like a Delta elder. His band—tight and soulful—kept the groove steady, with Paul Rogers’ drums driving hard. Moreover, “Empty Promises” had the crowd swaying, its slow burn sparking cheers. By the end, with “Hard Times,” fans shouted for more, lost in his spell.

From Clarksdale to Blues Stardom

Christone Ingram, born January 19, 1999, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, grew up in the heart of the Delta blues. Music grabbed him early; at six, he picked up bass, inspired by his dad’s gospel band. By 10, he’d switched to guitar, hooked on B.B. King’s records. Consequently, he started gigging at local juke joints, mentored by blues legends like Buddy Guy. His nickname “Kingfish,” from an old radio show, stuck young.

Ingram’s big break came at 16, playing the White House for Michelle Obama in 2015. His 2019 debut album, Kingfish, earned a Grammy nod, while 2021’s 662 cemented his rise. For example, “She Calls Me Kingfish” topped blues charts, racking up streams. Now based in Clarksdale, he tours globally, blending traditional blues with modern edge, often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan for his fiery style.

Bands and Bandmates

Ingram performs under his own name, backed by a touring band, with no other major band affiliations noted. His core lineup includes:

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – vocals, guitar
Paul Rogers – drums
Kenny Neal Jr. – bass
Deshawn Alexander – keys

He’s jammed with Eric Gales and Buddy Guy, sharing stages at festivals like Crossroads Guitar Fest. Meanwhile, no high-profile romantic ties to other artists have surfaced, as Ingram keeps his personal life private. For instance, his focus stays on his craft, with interviews highlighting his love for Clarksdale’s blues heritage. His collaborations lean musical, not tabloid-worthy.

Television, Film, and Awards

Ingram’s media presence is strong for a young blues artist. He performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2021, playing “662.” Additionally, his song “Fresh Out” appeared in a 2020 episode of Queen Sugar, boosting his profile. For awards, he’s a heavyweight. He won the 2022 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for 662. Moreover, he nabbed multiple Blues Music Awards, including 2020’s Best Emerging Artist. In 2023, he was named Gibson’s “Guitarist of the Year.” Hall of fame talks are premature, but his trajectory points there.

Biggest Songs

Ingram’s tracks dominate blues charts and streaming, with a few standing out:

“She Calls Me Kingfish” – Written by Christone Ingram and Tom Hambridge, this 2021 hit topped blues charts.
“662” – Penned by Ingram and Hambridge, this 2021 track from 662 earned millions of streams.
“Empty Promises” – Written by Ingram, this 2019 song from Kingfish is a live-show staple.

Controversies

Ingram has largely dodged drama, keeping his career clean. However, in 2022, he faced minor flak for skipping a festival set due to a scheduling clash. Some fans griped online, but he explained it was a mix-up, not intentional. Consequently, the issue blew over fast, with most supporters unfazed. Otherwise, his focus on music and humble demeanor keep him out of tabloids, a rarity for young stars.

The Railbird Blues Storm

At Railbird, Kingfish turned the Limestone Stage into a Delta juke joint. His set was a blaze of blues magic. For instance, “Midnight Heat” opened with his guitar wailing, pulling fans to their feet. Meanwhile, his banter—about Clarksdale’s crossroads legend—drew nods from the crowd. Rogers’ drums in “Empty Promises” kept the groove tight, sparking slow sways.

The stage setup was simple—guitar, bass, keys, and drums—but Kingfish’s presence filled it. As a result, the crowd, a mix of blues diehards and festivalgoers, got swept up, snapping photos. During “662,” his fingers blurred across the fretboard, earning gasps and cheers. Moreover, his cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House” was a showstopper, its raw power connecting with rock fans.

Yet, the set had a small glitch. A mic feedback squeal during “She Calls Me Kingfish” caused a brief pause, but Ingram’s grin smoothed it over. Additionally, the 2:00 p.m. slot meant some fans were still grabbing food, missing the start. Nevertheless, those present were mesmerized, shouting after every solo. By the end, the Limestone Stage buzzed, fans raving about his guitar wizardry.

Kingfish’s performance was a Day 2 highlight, blending blues tradition with youthful fire. For example, his story about learning guitar in church felt personal, resonating with the crowd. Meanwhile, his music carried a timeless weight, appealing to all ages. Consequently, he proved he’s a festival powerhouse, stealing the afternoon with ease. His set was a nod to Railbird’s diverse musical heart.

As he left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of his solos and hunting for merch. His performance showed why Railbird loves bold talent. Kingfish brought soul, skill, and a touch of Clarksdale magic, making the Limestone Stage his own. As a result, his music echoed across the infield, a fiery jolt to Day 2’s lineup. The Kentucky sun seemed to pulse with his blues as his notes faded.