Preston Shannon: The Memphis Soul and Blues Guitarist

Preston Shannon is an American blues and soul singer and guitarist celebrated for his raw, church-infused vocals and searing guitar work. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, his major achievement was carving a distinct niche in the 1990s blues revival with his acclaimed album Midnight in Memphis.

Early career

Born in 1947 in Olive Branch, Mississippi, Preston Shannon grew up immersed in gospel music before moving to Memphis. He began his professional music career as a guitarist for soul and R&B acts, honing his skills on the city's famed club circuit before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.

Breakthrough

Shannon's breakthrough arrived in 1996 with the release of his second album, Midnight in Memphis, on the Bullseye Blues label. The record garnered critical acclaim for its authentic fusion of deep Southern soul and hard-edged blues, establishing him as a formidable new voice with a vintage sound.

Key tracks

Midnight in Memphis — The title track showcases his powerful Stax-influenced soul delivery and crisp guitar playing.

Breakfast After 10 — This funky, horn-driven number became a staple in his live sets and a fan favorite.

My Girl — His gritty, blues-rock cover of The Temptations' classic demonstrated his ability to reinvent well-known songs.

Cool Down — A slow-burning blues track that highlights his emotive guitar solos and passionate vocal style.

Following this success, Shannon continued to record and perform extensively, releasing albums like All in Time (1999) and Goin' Back to Memphis (2014). He earned a reputation as a dynamic live performer, sharing stages with legends like B.B. King and Bobby "Blue" Bland, and became a regular fixture at major blues festivals.

For fans of Preston Shannon's gritty Memphis soul and blues guitar, similar artists include Bobby Rush, another Southern artist who masterfully blends soul, funk, and blues. Johnnie Taylor shares the deep, gospel-rooted soul vocal style that Shannon embodies. Robert Cray offers a similarly clean, modern guitar approach within a soul-blues framework. Little Milton represents the same potent mix of blues guitar and soulful singing that defines Shannon's work.

Preston Shannon's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated blues stations and classic soul FM broadcasts. His tracks are frequently featured on programs specializing in Southern roots music and the 1990s blues revival, keeping his sound alive for dedicated listeners.

You can hear the powerful soul and blues of Preston Shannon on radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his music and the legacy of Memphis sound through our curated selection of online radio streams.