Artist Spotlight
Guitarist Tee Dee Young “Blues A Way of Life” Tee Dee Young, a blues legend in his own time. He
he was 20, he was performing in prestigious venues
has definitely got the blues and he loves “firing down
such as The Cotton Club, Albert King’s Club, King-
on that guitar”. While playing his own unique style
ton Mines, and Club Zero. Later on down the road he
of the Blues, his dynamic stage presence, exciting
would make special appearances at B.B. King’s Club
harmony and energy will put you in the mood for
and even Issac Hayes’ Club.
dancing!
Tee Dee is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. He has
Tee Dee would later find himself opening up and
been performing and playing for audiences for 54
even performing with legendary and acclaimed
years. He got his start playing the guitar sitting by
Blues and R&B musicians such as Johnny Rawls,
the railroad tracks at the early age of 13. He was ex-
Guitar Shorty, Big Bill Morgan, Albert King, Lil “Howl-
posed to the life of Blues learning the basics men-
ing” Wolf, Sir “Mack” Rice, Eddie Floyd, Malina Moye,
tored by an elderly gentleman, the late Mr. Harrison
Al Green, Denise Lasailes, Aretha Franklin, Cameo,
Coleman. He would pick up singing from his late
Lakeside, James Brown, Alexander O’Neal, Vesta Wil-
father, gospel singer Leonard Young and he would
liams, Miki Howard, and many others. What makes
later be influenced by his late brother George Young,
Tee Dee unique is the style in which he plays the
who would constantly remind him to never change
Blues. Tee Dee’s playing and singing are authentic to
his style in which he plays the Blues.
the genre but oblivious to current industry trends. His
guitar is a weapon, wielded with total authority, as-
At the age of 14 he formed his own band and
sailing the listener with his sheer virtuosity!! He writes
throughout the rest of his teens, Tee Dee would
and perform his own music, while still being able to
perform every chance he could get. Locations would
maintain his originality covering music written by
include basements, private parties, talent shows,
other artist and his love for pleasing his audience,
and entering through back club doors. By the time
while he’s “firing down on that guitar!”
www.teedeeyoungblues.com 40 40
May 2023 MAY 2023
