“The blues is all about survival and life for me. It's important to keep it alive so that the next generation can understand the struggles of the African American community and how they expressed themselves through music.”

Keith Johnson: Prince of the Delta Blues

Keith Johnson is an accomplished blues guitarist, harmonica player, and songwriter. He has amassed a songwriting catalog, with multiple songs released on his debut album, “Come to Mississippi.” Keith is in the process of carrying on and upholding a family legacy in the entertainment industry as he is the great-nephew of blues icon Muddy Waters. He is also the grandson of the late Texcellar Fields, a gospel singer and radio host. He was born in Glen Allen, Mississippi, a small town in the heartland of the Mississippi Delta. Keith graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management.

(Photo: Mississippi bluesman Keith Johnson, the Prince of the Delta Blues)

In 2023, Keith returned to Europe with the Big Muddy Band and performed original songs for Hulu “Searching for Soul Food” Episode 1. He was also featured in a YouTube series presented by Huckberry titled “Ramble On.” Keith published his first book titled Freeman: Opening the Case. In 2024, Keith released a new single titled “Nephew Muddy” paying homage to his great uncle Muddy Waters and published his second book titled Come to Mississippi: The Birthplace of the Blues. Keith continues to grow as a professional entertainer and musician, showcasing his talent and honoring his family musical heritage.

Interview by Michael Limnios

What does the blues mean to you? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues to new generation?

The blues is all about survival and life for me. It's important to keep it alive so that the next generation can understand the struggles of the African American community and how they expressed themselves through music.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

My music combines traditional blues with soul, incorporating guitar, harmonica, piano, strings, horns, and synthesizers. The key to my sound is finding the right balance between technique and soul. Technique involves my picking styles, chord choices, and using sounds like pickups and reverb that suit my style. But it's the soul that really matters - it's the emotion and feeling I pour into my guitar, harmonica, and vocals. That soulful touch is what connects my audience to my music, making it real and engaging.

Why do you think that Muddy Waters music legacy the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following?

Muddy Waters' music was fundamental in shaping the blues and its progression over time. His unique sound not only impacted the blues scene but also inspired a whole generation of rock and roll artists. As he famously sang, "The blues had a baby and they named it Rock and Roll," Muddy Waters' influence helped blend blues and rock, creating a new wave of musical creativity and expression.

“I believe that the role of a blues musician is straightforward: to keep the music alive and pass it on while journeying through life, offering a helping hand to others along the way.” (Photo: Mississippi bluesman Keith Johnson, the Prince of the Delta Blues)

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

One of my best memories is jamming with Bobby Rush on stage during a virtual blues show in Greenville, MS in 2020. Bobby Rush was on vocals and harmonica, and I backed him up on guitar. It was a special moment as Bobby Rush passed the blues torch to me, a truly unforgettable experience in my musical career.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I wouldn't say that I miss anything about the blues of the past because I didn't personally experience it. However, I do pay homage to the blues of yesteryears and the musicians who paved the way before me. When it comes to the future of the blues, I have no worries - I'm confident that the blues will always have a place in music.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I've come to realize the importance of keeping all your paperwork organized in the music business. Alongside that, I've found it crucial to focus on building strong relationships with folks in the industry. It's these connections that often open doors and lead to exciting opportunities in the music world.

What is the role of blues music/musician in today’s society? When it comes to authenticity in blues, do you believe race makes a difference?

I believe that the role of a blues musician is straightforward: to keep the music alive and pass it on while journeying through life, offering a helping hand to others along the way. In my view, the beauty of the blues transcends race, as anyone can sing and feel the blues. However, it's essential to always recognize and honor the origins of this powerful and soulful genre, rooted in the experiences and expressions of the African American community.

(Photo: Mississippi bluesman Keith Johnson, the Prince of the Delta Blues)