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~~~BANDS~~~ - Chris Thomas King Want your band info added to this list?
email: info@houstonbluessociety.org (attn: website committee)
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| Biography |
Humble Beginnings
Chris Thomas King grew up impoverished but in a rich musical culture. Initially known for his audacious fusion of blues and hip-hop, King reached a whole new audience starring in and scoring music for the Coen Brothers film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” not only appearing on the award-winning soundtrack, but establishing himself as a serious dramatic actor as well.
King has continued to act in and score motion pictures including the Oscar winning “Ray.” King has written and recorded more than 150 songs that are in demand for license to motion pictures, documentaries and television programs.
Chris Thomas King is the son of respected Louisiana bluesman and juke joint owner Tabby Thomas and thus was surrounded by music from a very young age. He began playing trumpet in sixth grade and learned guitar shortly thereafter, soaking up as much as he could by hanging out at his father's club “Tabby’s Blues Box,” with the older musicians.
A few of King’s early musical heroes were Miles Davis, John Coltrane Freddie King and Jimi Hendrix. King admired artists that pushed the envelope and were not afraid to go out on a limb.
When people ask me why go out on a limb with your music, I say, because that’s where the fruit is.”
Chris Thomas King’s ground breaking hip-hop blues recordings had a major impact on hip-hop music. King’s Influence on artists such as Nas, Bubba Sparks, Common, Mos Def, Kenye West, Cowboy Troy and others brought the sound of the blues to his hip-hop generation.
“Although my hip-hop blues style introduced me to a new audience. I’ve decided to move on for now. I mean Miles Davis created Kind Of Blue and moved on.” He later created Bitches Brew and moved on from there. One of the most important aspects of a recording artist is to have something new to say. I think re-invention keeps things interesting especially if you plan to be around awhile.” King said.
He has also influenced rock acts such as Kid Rock and the White Stripes (White Stripes recently released a new book titled “21st Century Blues” proclaiming they are a “21st Century Blues” band.) Now, 20 years after his humble beginnings Chris Thomas King is one of the most recognized and influential blues guitarist in the world.
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| Awards & Honors |
| Multi-talented Grammy award winning New Orleans blues artist, producer, composter and actor Chris Thomas King is the Vanguard of American blues. His father, Tabby Thomas is a well-respected blues musician and owner of the famed Baton Rouge blues club Tabby's Blues Box and Heritage Hall. |
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The Houston Blues Society is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation. One half of membership dues are tax deductible.
Every Sunday
Houston's Home of the Blues & Zydeco Jam
SHAKESPEAR'S PUB
14129 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079
Sunday Nite Blues at Frank's
Frank's Pizza
417 Travis at Prairie, Houston, 77002
Blues Show
Mr. Gino's
7306 Cullen, Houston, TX
Danton's - Houston's Only Live Blues Brunch
Danton's Gulf Coast Seafood Kitchen
4611 Montrose Blvd. in Chelsea Market
Every Monday
BLUE MONDAYS
THE RICHMOND CHILL BAR & GRILL
4704 Richmond Avenue
Every Tuesday
DHARMA BLUES JAM
DHARMA CAFE
1718 Houston Avenue (at Crockett)
Big Ass Blues Jam
The Hideaway
3122 Dunvale
Every Wednesday
Open Blues Jam - Open Mic
The Big Easy
5731 Kirby
Working Man's Blues Jam
Crazy Frogs
3939 West FM 1960
Every Thursday
Open Mic Night
NJ's Bar
3815 Mangum Road (at 290 and 610)
Weekly Jam - Southern Rock
ROCK, WINE & BLUES
18321 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Suite 140, Humble, TX
The Oldest Blues Jam In Houston
Dan Electro's Guitar Bar
1031 E. 24th St. (Between N. Main & Airline)
Think Tank Thursday
Frank's Pizza
417 Travis at Prairie, Houston, 77002
Blues Jam hosted by Charlie Parker
Spring Tavern
24401 Aldine Westfield Rd., Ste J
Brother Jam
Ray's
45550 FM 1774, Plantersville, TX 77363
Blues Jam Hosted by Dan Workman
19th Hole Grill & Bar
202 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands, TX
Every Sunday
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Houston Blues Society | P.O. Box 7809 Houston, TX 77270 | Phone: 713-827-6789