
Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials

Upcoming
June 28, 2025
About the Artist
BIOGRAPHY
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials are a powerhouse Chicago blues band led by the dynamic, slide-guitar-wielding frontman, Lil' Ed Williams. Known for their raw energy and electric stage presence, the band embodies the gritty, joyful spirit of traditional Chicago blues. Lil' Ed, nephew of the legendary blues guitarist J.B. Hutto, was mentored in the art of slide guitar, carrying on his uncle's fierce, foot-stomping legacy.
Formed in the early 1980s, the Blues Imperials—featuring bassist James "Pookie" Young, guitarist Mike Garrett, and drummer Kelly Littleton—quickly made a name for themselves with their fiery performances and tight musicianship. Their debut album Roughhousin’ (1986) established them as torchbearers of the classic Chicago sound. Over the years, the band has released a series of acclaimed albums through Alligator Records, earning a loyal following and multiple Blues Music Awards.
Praised for their infectious energy and Lil' Ed’s blistering slide guitar work, the band has become a mainstay of blues festivals and clubs around the world. Whether performing searing blues shuffles or heartfelt ballads, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials deliver a joyfully authentic experience that keeps audiences on their feet and the blues alive for new generations.