Lonnie Shields

Lonnie Shields (born April 17, 1956) is an American electric blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His primary influence was B.B. King. He has released seven albums to date, and one publication described his music as "bewitching, funk-influenced variations on the oldest country blues".

Life and career Lonnie Thomas Shields Jr. was born in West Helena, Arkansas, United States, with his local church being a focus for family life.

In 1986, Shields appeared at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in his hometown, and was invited to record a single, "Cheatin' Woman" (1988) for the Rooster Blues label. That initial recording led to him issuing his debut album, Portrait, on Rooster Blues in 1993, which achieved notable critical acclaim, being cited as one of the best debut albums of that year. In addition, Portrait won the Living Blues Critics' Poll as Best Album. The album had contributions from Carr, Frost and Johnson, as well as other Delta musicians including Lucky Peterson (guitar), Eddie Shaw (guitar and saxophone) and Jim O'Neal (producer). Shields then appeared at various festivals throughout the Northeast.

In 2000, Midnight Delight was released by Rooster Blues. With a growing fan base, Shields toured across the United States, Canada and Europe. The title was inspired by the nickname acquired by Shields, being among the somewhat younger generation of Mississippi blues men keeping the music alive.

In April 2014, Shields appeared in Rock Hall, Maryland, as part of the MainstayBlues series. In October the same year, Shields performed once again at the King Biscuit Blues Festival.

He appeared again at the Briggs Farm Blues Festival in July 2016, where he not only played but sold his own Delta-style barbecue food.

Shields has a home in Media, Pennsylvania.