Cedric Burnside facts for kids

Cedric O. Burnside, born on August 26, 1978, is an American musician. He plays electric blues music, singing, writing songs, and playing both guitar and drums. Cedric comes from a family of talented blues musicians. His father, Calvin Jackson, was a blues drummer. His grandfather, R. L. Burnside, was a famous blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Cedric has played drums for many artists, including his grandfather R. L. Burnside, Jimmy Buffett, and Widespread Panic.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Growing Up in a Blues Family

Cedric Burnside was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States. He grew up in Holly Springs, Mississippi, living in the home of his grandfather, R. L. Burnside. This meant he was surrounded by music and his large family.

Starting His Music Career Young

By the time he was 13 years old, Cedric began touring with his grandfather's band. He played the drums, following in his father's footsteps. Eventually, he took over as the main drummer for the band.

Cedric Burnside's Music Journey

Early Collaborations and Albums

In 2002, Cedric played drums on Richard Johnston's first album, Foot Hill Stomp. Two years later, he also played percussion on Johnston's Official Bootleg #1.

Around 2006, Cedric worked with his uncle, Garry Burnside. They formed a group called Burnside Exploration and recorded an album called The Record. They even opened shows for the band Widespread Panic.

Forming the Juke Joint Duo

Later in 2006, Cedric teamed up with another musician, Lightnin' Malcolm, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. They formed a duo and released an album called Juke Joint Duo. In 2008, they released Two Man Wrecking Crew. This album won a Blues Music Award for 'Best New Artist Debut' in 2009. The duo also toured with the Big Head Blues Club. Together, they recorded 100 Years Of Robert Johnson in 2011, celebrating the 100th birthday of blues legend Robert Johnson.

Burnside at INNtöne Jazzfestival, 2024

The Cedric Burnside Project

Cedric then started a new group called the Cedric Burnside Project. He played with his younger brother, Cody Burnside, and his uncle, Garry Burnside. From 2011, he also recorded and toured with Trenton Ayers. Their album The Way I Am came out in 2011. Sadly, Cedric's brother Cody passed away in 2012, and his father passed away in 2015.

In 2012, Cedric recorded the album Allison Burnside Express with Bernard Allison, which was released in 2014.

His albums Hear Me When I Say (2013) and Descendants of Hill Country (2015) were released under the Cedric Burnside Project name. Trenton Ayers played guitar on these albums. The Descendants of Hill Country album was funded by fans through a Kickstarter campaign.

Recent Albums and Recognition

In 2018, Cedric released the album Benton County Relic. He recorded it with Brian Jay. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019.

His album I Be Trying won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2022. This is a very big honor in music!

His album Hill Country Love was nominated for a Grammy Award and a Libera Award in 2025.

Awards and Achievements

Recognized for His Drumming Skills

Cedric Burnside has won many awards for his drumming. In 2013, he won the Memphis Blues Award for 'Drummer of the Year' for the third time.

He also won the Blues Music Award for 'Instrumentalist - Drums' in 2014, 2019, and 2020. These awards show how talented he is as a drummer.

Grammy Nominations and Wins

His album Descendants of Hill Country was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2016.

As mentioned, Benton County Relic was nominated for a Grammy in 2019.

In 2022, he won a Grammy Award for his album I Be Trying. This is one of the highest honors a musician can receive!

National Heritage Fellowship

In 2021, Cedric received a National Heritage Fellowship. This award is given by the National Endowment for the Arts. It is the highest honor the United States government gives for folk and traditional arts.

Discography

Images for kids

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  Burnside at INNtöne Jazzfestival, 2024