Forty Below Records proudly announces the signing of acclaimed blues, soul, and Americana vocalist Shemekia Copeland.
“It’s a new chapter for me, and I’m really looking forward to creating my most exciting work ever. It’s gonna be Shemekia with a few new twists!” says Copeland.
An eight-time GRAMMY® nominee and recipient of numerous Blues Music Awards, Copeland has spent more than two decades expanding the possibilities of contemporary blues. Her commanding voice and fearless storytelling bring passion, grit, and conviction to songs that draw from blues, soul, gospel, rock, and Americana.
Born and raised in Harlem, Copeland first joined her father, legendary Texas bluesman Johnny Copeland, onstage at the Cotton Club at age eight. Since her 1998 debut, Turn the Heat Up, she has built a celebrated career with music that confronts injustice, celebrates resilience and speaks with uncommon candor.
“Shemekia Copeland is a powerhouse,” declared Rolling Stone. “She can do no wrong.”
Copeland has performed alongside Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Carlos Santana. Her career highlights include appearances at the White House, the United Nations, PBS’s Austin City Limits, Bruce Springsteen’s Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us, 80 Years of John Prine and Buddy Guy’s Birthday Celebration at Radio City Music Hall.
“Shemekia Copeland is an exceptional artist,” says Eric Corne, president and founder of Forty Below Records. “Her commanding presence, both on and off the stage, has earned her the reputation as the Queen of the Blues. She is one of the genre’s greatest ambassadors while continuing to break new ground in American roots music.”