Marquise Knox Makes a Rare Concert Appearance in San Diego

Marquise Knox

You know there’s something special about a young blues musician who comes out of the gate knowing exactly what he wants, but it’s another thing entirely to be able to produce and then attain those objectives. Marquise Knox seems to have done both. His debut album Manchild was recorded when Knox was only 16 years old and featured the sensational Michael Burks. The project received a New Recordings/Best Debut Artist Award from Living Blues magazine as well as being nominated for Best New Artist at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis.

Growing up, Marquise credits his grandmother, Lilly, and his great uncle Clifford for his introduction to the guitar but it was while living in St. Louis that he fell under the tutelage of the Grammy award-winning blues guitarist and pianist Henry Townsend. During trips back to the family home in Mississippi Marquise would be given the opportunity to meet a few of the early blues originators and occasionally sit in and perform with those very same legends. Names like Big George Brock, Honeyboy Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, and Hubert Sumlin to mention but a few. Not only was Knox learning about the music, but he was also absorbing the meaning and significance behind the blues from those that had actually lived them.

He released his self-titled second album in 2010 and his third record, Here I Am, just a year later at the ripe old age of 20. About the same time he found himself on the road, opening for the King of the Blues, B.B. King. Knox has since released two more recordings: Marquise Knox Volume 2 and Black and Blue. He’s toured the world, playing everywhere from Europe to South America and regularly appears with his band at favorite haunts in and around St. Louis. He’s a staple at blues festivals throughout the United States; incidentally, the album Black and Blue was captured live at the Bowlful of Blues Fest in Iowa. Knox and his band also sail frequently and perform on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises. Marquise’s blues fan base expanded exponentially a few years ago when he was invited to tour and perform with ZZ Top and Cheap Trick.

Knox is not only a multi-talented musician and songwriter, he’s also an outspoken voice for social change and an adamant proponent for peace. He truly leads by example while fostering a sense of community and openly giving back. Knox works with cultural and educational programs like Blues in the Schools and he’s a chair member for the nonprofit Center for Artistic Expression. Oh, and he’s one hell of a bluesman. I’d say those are pretty impressive credentials for a 34 year old.

Listen UP: Marquise Knox in St. Louis, “I Feel Like Going Home”

Marquise Knox plays the Gourmet Blues Series for one show only at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on Saturday, February 8 at 7PM. Tickets are $65 and are available through Ticketmaster. Opening for Marquise Knox is San Diego’s own Lafayette Blues Band. It’s going to be an unforgettable night of blues, don’t miss it!