Introduction
Luther Dickinson is a modern blues guitarist, singer-songwriter, and frontman of the acclaimed band North Mississippi Allstars. Hailing from the hill country region of northern Mississippi, Luther grew up immersed in the blues music traditions of the area. He started honing his guitar skills and songwriting at a very young age, influenced by his father Jim Dickinson who was a legendary producer and session musician. By his late teens, Luther had formed the North Mississippi Allstars with his brother Cody Dickinson, blending blues with jam band rock improvisation. The band went on to earn several GRAMMY nominations and released critically praised albums like Shake Hands with Shorty, 51 Phantom, and Electric Blue Watermelon.
In addition to his work with North Mississippi Allstars, Luther Dickinson has also cultivated an impressive solo career as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. His solo albums showcase his versatility across different roots music styles, from folk and country blues to electrified rock. Luther continues to push the boundaries of modern blues music through his solo and collaborative work, while also staying true to the deep-rooted hill country blues traditions. Known for his high-energy live performances, Luther Dickinson has cemented his reputation as one of today’s most talented blues musicians.
Early Life and Musical Upbringing
Luther Dickinson grew up surrounded by music in a very artistic family. His father was the legendary record producer and session musician Jim Dickinson, who worked with artists like Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones. From a young age, Luther was immersed in the musical heritage of Memphis and the Mississippi Hill Country through his father. He gained early exposure to blues, rock, folk and other traditional American music styles that his family members played. Luther’s father Jim made sure Luther and his siblings were educated in old-time folk and blues music, mentoring him on guitar and passing down stories through song. By the time Luther was in high school, he was already an accomplished guitarist, steeped in the blues tradition. This early tutelage and deep respect for roots music shaped Luther’s path as a blues torchbearer and guitarist.
Forming North Mississippi Allstars
In 1996, Luther Dickinson and his brother Cody Dickinson formed the blues-rock band North Mississippi Allstars in their hometown of Hernando, Mississippi. The brothers had grown up immersed in blues, soul, rock, and folk music thanks to their father, famed producer Jim Dickinson.
When starting the North Mississippi Allstars, Luther and Cody sought to fuse their love of Mississippi hill country blues pioneers like R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough with the improvisational spirit of jam bands like the Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic. Luther brought electrifying guitar work and vocals while Cody anchored the rhythms on drums and bass.
The band’s unique style blended the rawness and groove of North Mississippi blues with the extended improvisational jams of the emerging jam band scene. Their high-energy live shows allowed them to stretch out songs with long, exploratory solos and jams. The North Mississippi Allstars quickly gained a reputation for lively, funky shows that merged genres and engaged audiences.
Success with North Mississippi Allstars
North Mississippi Allstars gained widespread recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s with their energetic blend of hill country blues, rock and roll, and improvisational jam band styles. Their album Shake Hands with Shorty, released in 2000, was a breakthrough success, earning the band its first Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Shake Hands with Shorty showcased Luther Dickinson’s virtuosic blues guitar playing and songwriting, fusing raw Mississippi hill country blues with psychedelic rock influences. Standout tracks like "Shake ‘Em On Down" and "Po Black Maddie" became blues and rock radio hits.
The band continued to build their reputation with acclaimed follow-up albums like 51 Phantom (2001) and Electric Blue Watermelon (2005). 51 Phantom incorporated more world music elements into their sound, experimenting with funk, reggae and African rhythms. The album earned the band their second Grammy nomination.
Electric Blue Watermelon saw the band further pushing their blues-rock fusion in new directions, with critics praising their adventurous yet reverential take on traditional blues forms. Through the 2000s, North Mississippi Allstars cemented themselves as one of the most exciting blues-rock acts blending genre traditions in new ways and introducing hill country blues to wider audiences. Their success speaks to Luther Dickinson’s creativity and dynamism as a songwriter, guitarist and bandleader.
Luther Dickinson’s Solo Work
Luther Dickinson has cultivated an impressive solo career alongside his work with North Mississippi Allstars, releasing a series of acclaimed albums and EPs that highlight his versatility as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. His solo discography spans Americana, blues, roots rock, and folk, showcasing Dickinson’s ability to fuse traditional songcraft with a modern sensibility.
Key releases include 2007’s Onward and Upward, which blended psychedelic rock and blues, and 2012’s Hambone’s Meditations, where Dickinson explored a rawer, more primal blues sound. His 2013 album Rock ‘n Roll Blues saw Dickinson pay tribute to blues legends like R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough in an electrified style.
In 2017, Dickinson released the folk and blues album Blues & Ballads: A Folksinger’s Songbook, which showcased his intricate acoustic guitar work and affinity for storytelling. Songs like "Death Comes On Wings of Crepe" and "Ol’ Henry" highlighted Dickinson’s emotive vocals and poignant lyricism. Overall, his solo albums position Luther Dickinson as a versatile songwriter, guitarist, and interpreter of American roots music with his own distinctive touch.
Luther Dickinson’s Distinctive Guitar Style
Luther Dickinson has developed a highly distinctive blues guitar style that builds upon the influences of Mississippi hill country blues musicians like R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. His guitar playing encompasses both electric and acoustic guitars, utilizing techniques like slide guitar and open tunings.
Dickinson cites the north Mississippi bluesmen as major influences, incorporating their droning, hypnotic style into his own playing. His guitar tone and phrasing clearly reflect the raw, emotive style of these blues legends. At the same time, Dickinson adds his own flair and innovation to the genre.
On electric guitar, Dickinson often plays slide using open tunings like G or D to enable a bluesy, soulful sound. His slide guitar melodies have an unmistakable, vocal-like quality. Dickinson also integrates fingerpicking approaches on electric, plucking out riffs and solos with precision and feel.
On acoustic guitar, Dickinson’s fingerpicking prowess shines through as he deftly picks intricate patterns. His acoustic blues guitar highlights his ability to provide accompaniment and lead work simultaneously. Dickinson often opts for vintage guitars like pre-war Martins to produce an old-school blues sound.
Regardless of what guitar he plays, Luther Dickinson’s tone and touch on the strings is instantly recognizable. His phrasing and note choices form the foundation of his one-of-a-kind blues guitar style that pays homage to his heroes while taking the music in new directions. Dickinson’s guitar playing is essential to his artistry and sets him apart as a modern blues innovator.
Key Collaborations
Luther Dickinson has collaborated with many notable artists over the years, both in the studio and on stage. One of his most high-profile collaborations was with rock band The Black Crowes in 2007. Dickinson toured as lead guitarist for the band and also appeared on their Warpaint album. His bluesy guitar style was a great fit for The Black Crowes’ mix of rock, blues and Southern rock.
Dickinson has also been a member of roots rock supergroup The Word, featuring artists like Robert Randolph and John Medeski. Their album Soul Food won a Blues Music Award for Best Soul/Blues Album in 2015.
Some of Luther’s closest collaborations have been with his sister Cody Dickinson. Together they have released two albums as the duo Luther & Cody, under the name The Sisters of the Strawberry Moon. Their intimate family harmonies showcase their musical chemistry and shared love of traditional folk and blues.
As a highly sought-after session musician, Dickinson has also appeared on recordings by artists like Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Lucero and many more. His versatility allows him to complement various musical styles and he is always able to add his signature sound.
Luther Dickinson’s Songwriting
Luther Dickinson is renowned for his vivid, evocative songwriting that draws upon his Southern roots. His lyrics often feel like short stories, transporting listeners to the world of Mississippi juke joints, steamy summer nights, and tales of love gained and lost.
Dickinson has a gift for bringing characters and scenes to life through his lyrics. Many of his songs explore quintessential Southern themes and imagery – weeping willow trees, slow-moving rivers, freight trains, and more. There is a cinematic quality to the way he sets the scene and pulls you into a specific time and place with just a few choice words.
At the same time, Dickinson doesn’t rely on nostalgia or cliches in his writing. He has a knack for finding the emotional truth in everyday moments and infusing universal human experiences with a distinctly Southern sensibility. Songs like "Lord Have Mercy" and "Snake Drive" showcase his ability to find poetry in the mundane and elevate simple sentiments into something profound.
While steeped in the blues tradition, Dickinson’s songwriting also seamlessly melds roots music with modern rock, funk, soul and improvisational jam elements. He is one of the few songwriters today who can blend traditional folk lyrics and storytelling with contemporary styles in a way that feels cohesive. This fusion of old and new gives his songs widespread appeal beyond just blues and Americana fans.
Ultimately, Luther Dickinson’s lyrical talents lie in his masterful use of language and metaphor to shine a light on overlooked aspects of Southern culture and the human condition. His songs have the ability to instantly transport you while also revealing hidden emotional depths upon repeated listening.
Captivating Live Performer
Luther Dickinson’s live performances showcase his talents as an electrifying guitarist, charismatic frontman, and consummate showman. Whether playing sweaty clubs or major festival stages, Luther pours his heart and soul into putting on an energetic show.
Fans flock to Luther Dickinson concerts for the chance to see him unleash his raw, intense guitar playing in a live setting. He has a reputation for highly improvisational, extended jams during his shows. Luther and North Mississippi Allstars are known for keeping concert audiences on their feet and dancing all night long. Their live sets blend songs from their various albums with on-the-spot improvisation and musical interplay between the band members.
In addition to North Mississippi Allstars shows, Luther Dickinson frequently performs live as a solo artist. In these intimate solo acoustic concerts, Luther captivates the crowd with his virtuosic fingerpicking, soulful vocals, humorous storytelling between songs, and rapport with the audience. Fans get to experience Luther in a different light than with his high-powered electric band performances.
Major festivals are prime venues for Luther Dickinson to showcase his talents to huge crowds. He has played many of the top blues, jam band, and roots music festivals over the years. Some standout festival appearances include Bonnaroo, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival among countless others. Luther always rises to the occasion and delivers spellbinding sets at these events.
Whether on a festival main stage or in a small blues club, Luther Dickinson’s live showmanship always shines through. He is truly one of the most dynamic and engaging live performers in modern blues and roots music today.
Preserving Blues Traditions
Luther Dickinson is passionate about passing on the blues tradition and inspiring younger generations to carry on the music’s legacy. He frequently offers guitar lessons, workshops, and masterclasses to directly teach students blues techniques and history.
Dickinson has taught at prestigious music camps like Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio, focusing on subjects like hill country blues styles, slide guitar, and using alternate tunings. He strives to break down complex guitar parts in an accessible way for students to grasp. As Dickinson explains, "I love turning people on to the universal power of music and how to play."
In addition to teaching guitar, Dickinson provides invaluable knowledge about the origins of blues and important figures that shaped the genre. He educates students on pioneers like Charley Patton, Son House, Bukka White, and the regional styles they created. According to Dickinson, "I try to be a blues ambassador. It’s my duty and honor to turn people onto the history and keep the music alive."
Dickinson doesn’t just teach seasoned musicians either. He frequently gives lessons to children and teenagers, knowing the importance of fostering the next generation of blues artists. His instructional children’s album Beaulah Land captures this spirit. As Dickinson says, "I try to inspire kids to embrace their own creativity. That’s how we keep our culture alive and growing.”
Through his diverse educational initiatives, Luther Dickinson continues to be a passionate ambassador for blues music. His lessons ensure the unique traditions of the hill country blues stay vital for both established and aspiring musicians.