Today we’d like to introduce you to D.K. Harrell.
Hi D.K., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The story that always comes to mind about how I started musically goes back to when I was about a year and a half old. My grandfather gifted my mother a CD called Deuces wild a bb king album and told her to play it while we were on our way to the mall so the story is that when the thrill is gone started playing they (my mother and aunt) kept hearing a faint voice singing it and when they turned around it was me in my car seat singing.
My mother said as a baby I never spoke or made noise just grunted but when music came on you couldn’t get me to shut up or stay still. Around first grade, the movie ray came out and I was quick to impersonate ray Charles even though I can’t play piano to save my life.
So over time, I did research on more and more artists similar to ray-like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson when watching a time commercial of a Musc Collection called the soul story my dad Brent Brooks would let me stay up till 12 to see it come on during school nights. In 2013, I took up guitar and my grandfather Ezekiel Harrell bought it from a pawnshop it was a Synsonics Pro Series Sunburst Stratocaster I still have it when I got it was fallen apart but I played the hell out of it.
Then my mother got me a second one that I also still have and as time went on, I purchased more. Like a normal middle-class family, we would fall on some hard times financially so I would sell my guitars to help get a few groceries or make up the difference of a bill so we can have gas to go to the store. It never hurt me to do this cause one I love my mother and two it’s just an object. I met bb in 2013 at the Baton Rouge river center he shook my hand and joked about how he used to conk his hair, I had my hair conked that night.
After seeing his show, I decided to learn his style as much as possible so I downloaded every video I could of him from 68 to 2014 and watched his hands and equipment. Many say, I’m very close to bb tone-wise and some think I’m a long-lost child of his. In 2014, I visited the bb king museum and met the director of the museum and showed him a video of me playing I won’t lie it was bad out of tune but he encouraged me and five years later my first gig was being a part of the bb king symposium by the bb king museum director.
Getting the chance to play one of BBS Lucilles brought tears to my eyes. Then 2 years later, I was able to play at the BB King Blues club courtesy of dan Ferguson and Krystal young who is BBS’s granddaughter. I do have a day job when I’m not doing music cause even the I’m young I still want to earn my career not just say music is all I can do. Having a regular 9-5 to me builds discipline and character and makes you appreciate what you have.
Not saying music can’t but we have all seen the tale of the spoiled kid who gets everything too cool for a job and doesn’t appreciate a thing then something tragic has to happen for them to realize that they need to humble themselves.
Even though I don’t gig a lot but stay in good company, I have hundreds of people to thank for where I am now from family to musicians in just the four years of my career I’ve played with some heavy hitters like Tedeschi-trucks, Gary Clark Jr., Tony Coleman, Andrew Saino, Ray Neal just so many and in august of 2022 the jus blues foundation is awarding me the king of the blues award.
I can’t express how much I wish I was a gazillionaire so I can help everyone who has supported me, pay their houses off, or whatever cause one main thing I learned in this business is “people don’t have to associate with you but when they do be grateful”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are several struggles when it comes to the blues market and being young in this business.
- The older cats give you hell but they mean well
- To be a Biggy or the main person you got to have the following or 10 to 30 years reputation
- It’s difficult to reach those your age who are in their twenties
- Finding those wholly helps you get where you want to be with your career.
I’ve learned that you can’t trust everyone and that you can’t get excited all the time something comes up because it may never happen.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in blues music as a blues musician and singer.
I am known for having the delivery of BB King when it comes to sound and playing style. I am most proud of God for giving me the talent and the privilege to use and give it back to him on Sundays at church.
The brand that sets me apart from others is delivering in the tradition of BB king while providing a fresh perspective of classic blues.
I would like to thank God for all the opportunities He has given me and also the beautiful support I receive from everyone.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
That I’m always nervous on stage even when I play behind my head or get on my knees or back and play. I’m only nervous cause I want to put on a good show.
Contact Info:
- Email: Dharrellblues@gmail.com
- Website: Dkblues.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkblues_/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DHarrell98
- Twitter: Twitter.com/dharrellblues
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCm3q5mSuGulXcPBZDl4E3Lg
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/d-k-harrell/1609317765
Image Credits
Laura Carbone, Christal Jackson, Dee Atkins, and BB King Museum
