Lucious Spiller

Born in St. Louis, Lucious Spiller discovered at an early age that God had blessed him with a special gift. Gospel, blues, and R&B music permeated his home and he absorbed it all. His father gave Lucious a guitar when he was four and taught him his first chords. Lucious was a natural. He hails from the Spiller family that has contributed to and enhanced the musical experiences of countless people across the country and the world. His family, founders of “Black Prairie Blues”, have their own permanent marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in Macon, MS. His early memories include watching his father Lucious Spiller Sr, his uncle "Magic Sam", his cousins, Eddy Clearwater, Vernon and Joe Harrington, and many other blues greats perform during family reunions. Lucious was itching to play. He started out playing bass guitar in church. And the rest is history!

Relocating to Arkansas at the age of 18, he forged his way through the ranks with an energy and fervor that to this day remain undiminished. He attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock and graduated with a degree in Elementary Art. Children are drawn to him, and his original children's blues song "Pat Your Foot" has kids and adults of all ages patting their feet.

In 2014, Lucious won 2nd Place in the Solo/Acoustic Category Finals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He missed the top spot by 1/2 point to a Canadian, making him " #1 in the USA, #2 in the world." 

Lucious Spiller is a truly gifted artist, songwriter, singer, musician, teacher and mentor. He has inspired, influenced, instructed, and encouraged many up and coming blues artists such as Seth Freeman, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Zack Bramhall, Heather Crosse, and Akeem Kemp. Seth Freeman recorded a version of Lucious Spiller's original song "Put the Blame on Me" for his debut album.

Lucious Spiller's music, rooted in blues and gospel, is unique and fresh yet embodies the spirit of the traditional. He blends all of his gift and influences into a performance straight from his soul. He IS the music, all of it. He plays what he feels, and he feels what he plays. There is nobody like Lucious Spiller, and everybody who hears or sees Lucious Spiller perform is blown away. In the October 2013, Living Blues Magazine featured Lucious and dubbed him a "driving force for the blues". Travel Tips and Pics (March 2017) said: "...Lucious Spiller,...isn’t just playing the guitar, he IS the guitar – kind of like when good actors become the part instead of just playing a role." And in April 2017, the Associated Press had this to say: "Red's showcases under-the-radar, brilliantly talented musicians like Lucious Spiller, whose performances will make you realize why the blues still matter." He is not to be missed!