Luke Winslow-King

Luke Winslow-King is a New Orleans-based guitarist, singer, composer, producer and songwriter. His work is an eclectic mix that combines Mississippi delta blues, folk music, traditional jazz and roots rock & roll. His alchemical songs blend contemporary ideas with styles from bygone eras producing a sound that is rustic and urbane, elegant and entirely his own. It is a sound that looks to the past to move to the future. This along with his burgundy voice, dapper attire and versatile guitar playing have earned him a reputation as a musician who delivers soulfully energetic and dynamic performances.

Originally from the northern Michigan town of Cadillac, LWK began studying and performing music at a young age. He started performing weekly in a local bar band at 14, formed The Winslow-King Blues Band at 16 and earned a diploma from the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy, where he majored in jazz guitar.

He first came to Louisiana at age 19 and ended up staying there almost by chance; after only a few days in town, his car – filled to the brim with a band’s worth of instruments – was stolen while parked overnight on Ursuline Street in the Tremé. During the weeks spent trying to recover his vehicle and instruments, LWK fell in love with the city that he now calls home. 

After recording his first self-titled debut album in 2007, he continued paying his dues, busking on Royal Street during the day and working in the clubs on Frenchman Street at night. 

In 2008, LWK recorded ‘Old New Baby’ mostly live at Preservation Hall in New Orleans. He learned gospel and jazz standards accompanying John Boutté, picked up bottleneck slide guitar watching blues maestro Roberto Luti, performed in John Sinclair's Blues Scholars, and immersed himself in the trad. jazz songbook while playing with Ben Polcer and The Loose Marbles Jazz Band. During this time, he was also a member Meschiya Lake's Little Big Horns and is featured on her album Lucky Devil.

This non-stop woodshedding helped Winslow-King hone his sound and become a leader among the vibrant scene of young traditionalists in New Orleans. After performing years of weekly gigs on Frenchmen Street, he now consistently tours the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. In 2015, he was named “Best Blues Performer” in Gambit Magazine’s Best of New Orleans.

He joined the Bloodshot Records roster in 2013 with the release of The Coming Tide, and followed with 2014’s Everlasting Arms and 2016’s I’m Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always.

Super excellent trivia: LWK worked as an extra in Bill Murray's Groundhog Day as a child.  Can you spot him?

For more information on Luke Winslow-King, please visit his official site.