Shemekia Copeland, D.K. Harrell, Southern Avenue, Marcia Ball And Kenny “Beedy Eyes”Smith (Of The Cash Box Kings) All Receive Top Awards
Living Blues magazine, in its just-released issue #303, announced the winners of the 2026 Living Blues Awards. Five Alligator Records artists received a total of six awards. Issue #303 (July/August 2026) features legendary 81-year-old Chicago guitarist John Primer on the cover. The issue includes coverage of the 2026 Living Blues Awards, a feature on Angelique Francis’ family band, and a health update on Kenny Neal.
GRAMMY-nominated artist Shemekia Copeland won both the Critics’ and Readers’ Polls for Blues Artist Of The Year (Female).
D.K. Harrell won the coveted Album Of The Year Award, topping the Critics’ Poll with his Alligator Records debut release, Talkin’ Heavy.
Southern Avenue was named Blues Band Of The Year, leading the Critics’ Poll.
Marcia Ball won the Readers’ Poll Award for Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard), and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith (of The Cash Box Kings) won the Critics’ Award for Most Outstanding Musician (Drums).
