Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Hailing from Chicago, The Blues Imperials burn with high-energy, fiery slide guitar and a boogie-forward blues that’s earned them a dedicated following since 1986. Core members Lil’ Ed Williams (lead guitar/vocals), James “Pookie” Young (bass), Mike Garrett (guitar), and Kelly Littleton (drums) have shaped a sound that blends raw grit with melodic flair. From their debut Roughhousin’ to recent recordings, they’ve remained a staple of the Chicago blues scene and a go-to act on major blues festivals around the country.