C. W. Stoneking

Christopher William Stoneking (born 15 March 1974) is an Australian blues singer-songwriter, guitarist and banjo player. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2009 Jungle Blues won Best Blues and Roots Album; he was also nominated for Best Male Artist, Breakthrough Artist – Album, Best Independent Release and Best Cover Art. Gon' Boogaloo peaked at No. 17 on the ARIA Albums Chart and won at the 2015 ARIA Music Awards for Best Blues & Roots Album.

Early life Christopher Wiliam Stoneking was born in Katherine, Northern Territory, in 1974, the son of Billy Marshall Stoneking and author Paty Marshall-Stace.

Career In 2005, Stoneking recorded an album of original blues compositions titled King Hokum. The album was received with great critical acclaim in the Australian media after its release in 2006. In 2006, Stoneking formed his backing band, the Primitive Horn Orchestra, with whom he still performs. The current line-up is James Clark (tuba, double bass), Stephen Grant (cornet), Stu Barker (trombone) and Johnny Machin (drums).

In 2006, radio presenter Tim Ritchie chose King Hokum as his album of the year on Radio National's Breakfast program. Radio National also presented his February 2007 Australia-wide tour. King Hokum was nominated for the Best Blues/Roots Album in the ARIA Music Awards of 2007. It won the Best Independent Blues Release award in the 2007 AIR Awards (Australian Independent Record Industry Awards).

In 1999, Stoneking independently released two albums recorded in 1998.

King Hokum was released in 2005, his third album, but first of original compositions. On 20 October 2008, Stoneking released Jungle Blues, his second album of original compositions, which peaked at No. 45 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Jungle Blues won Best Blues and Roots Album, and was nominated for Best Independent Release, Best Male Artist and Best Album Cover Art at the ARIA Music Awards of 2009. Jungle Blues was also shortlisted in the 2008 Australian Music Prize. He appeared on Later... with Jools Holland on 5 October 2010, playing " Jungle Blues" and "Jungle Lullaby".

In 2013, Stoneking voice acted in Tome of the Unknown, in the part of John Crops, which was the precursor to the mini series Over The Garden Wall.

Stoneking's next album, Gon' Boogaloo, was released on 17 October 2014. It peaked at No. 17 on the ARIA Albums Chart. At the 2015 ARIA Music Awards, Gon' Boogaloo won Best Blues & Roots Album.

Released: 1999 Label: C.W. Stoneking Format: CD —

Released: 1999 Label: King Hokum (KHR-000) Format: CD —

Released: March 2005 Label: King Hokum (KHR-001) Format: CD —

Released: 2006 Label: King Hokum (521-e271) Format: CD —

Released: 20 October 2008 Label: King Hokum (KHR-002) Format: CD, download 45

Released: 7 October 2014 Label: King Hokum (KHR-003) Format: CD, LP, download 17

Awards and nominations AIR Awards The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector. 2007 King Hokum Best Independent Blues and Roots Album

Jungle Blues Australian Music Prize 2014 2015 himself Best Male Artist

Best Male Artist Best Regional Act

National Live Music Awards The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016. 2017 C.W. Stoneking Live Blues and Roots Act of the Year 2018 C.W. Stoneking Live Blues and Roots Act of the Year