Hailed as the reigning "King of Beale Street", Memphis' own Preston Shannon is a powerful guitarist with a compelling and soulful voice that sounds like a cross between Otis Redding and Bobby Womack. Shannon toured for a couple of years as a member of soul singer Shirley Brown's band. In concert he sang Womack's part in the soul duet Brown had done years before with Womack himself. Known to have performed on Bourbon Street and in Memphis area casinos, Shannon is a singer guitarist who can solo himself through a fire-breathing set of slick, urban blues. Preston exemplifies to many listeners the power of Southern "deep soul" - hoarse, gritty vocals, brassy arrangements, and an emotional way with both party tunes and aching ballads. Shannon's lush guitar playing contains echoes of the Kings, Albert & BB, as well as T-Bone Walker and rhythmic sensibilities of Little Milton. His albums showcase his remarkable resiliency as a talented singer who alternates up-tempo, gospel inspired numbers with slower, soulful love songs and ballads. Show stopping performances keep this artist on the ‘A’ list everywhere.
