- Artist
- Date: May 10, 2025
- Stage: Lagoon
Brother Yusef: The Fattback Bluesman
Brother Yusef is a self-taught bluesman, a master solo guitarist, and a uniquely passionate vocalist. His
performances are raw, honest, and electrifying—as real as the blues has ever aspired to be. For over thirty years, he
has honed a powerful, deeply rhythmic style he calls Fattback Blues—a rich mix of Delta, Chicago, and Texas blues,
pulsed with a hard-driving Louisiana stomp.
What makes his sound stand out? Groove. Power. Soul. His right-hand thumb pounds out a percussive bass line,
while his index finger weaves rhythm and lead, crafting a full-band sound on a single guitar. Add in his slippery, flailing
slide work and you’ve got blues that stomps, sweats, and testifies.
If you love gritty, grinding, passionate blues, you’ll love Brother Yusef. And if you manage to stand still while he plays?
Check your pulse—you might have flatlined.
A Bluesman’s Journey
Born in Bakersfield, California, in 1963, Brother Yusef moved to South Central Los Angeles at age four before settling
in Altadena, California, in 1969. His first taste of music came in the Sanctified Church services he attended with his
grandparents in Bakersfield. The pounding drums, electric guitars, soaring voices, and joyful dancing both scared and
thrilled him, leaving a lasting imprint.
Another pivotal moment came when he saw the Jackson 5 on TV. But while many were focused on young Michael,
Yusef was mesmerized by Tito and Jermaine—their cool swagger and effortless way of playing electric guitar and
bass. In that moment, he knew: music was his calling.
At 19, he picked up the guitar and, alongside a close friend, began exploring a wide spectrum of sounds—blues, jazz,
reggae, funk, and rock. But in the end, the blues chose him.
Blues as Survival, Healing, and Freedom
For Brother Yusef, the blues isn’t just music—it’s a way of life, a spiritual force, and a cultural legacy. He believes:
“For African Americans, blues is survival, healing, and freedom.”
It’s a music born from struggle yet filled with power and release. His performances don’t just entertain—they tell a
story, evoke deep emotions, and make you feel the blues in your bones.
With worldwide recognition, Brother Yusef has performed at blues festivals, music festivals, and social dance events,
captivating audiences with his raw, energetic delivery. One moment, he’s conjuring the grit and grind of a backwoods
juke joint—the next, he’s channeling the fire and spirit of a sanctified church revival.
One guitar. One voice. One deep, driving groove. That’s Brother Yusef.
