“Her performances
are breathtaking”

Influenced by the late Koko Taylor, the only other blues singer, at least for this writer, who could match Shemekia’s sheer intensity, the mantle has been passed. At the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois officially declared Copeland to be “The New Queen of the Blues.”

As you listen to her interpret Solomon Burke (“I Feel a Sin Coming”), John Fogerty (“Long As I Can See the Light”), Terry and McGhee (“The Battle Is Over”) and Albert King (“Wrapped Up in Love Again”), you just marvel at the bone chilling fervor and range of her vocals. She has already won eight Blues Awards and is still in her mid-thirties with a long career ahead of her. Shemekia tours frequently, and has a number of East Coast dates lined up including 10/1 at the Sellersville Theater, PA and 10/2 at City Winery, NYC.

Take my word for it. Her live performances are breathtaking.

Jim Hynes, in Elmore Magazine.

Read the full review in Elmore Magazine.