Ra’Shad the Blues Kid
Born in Laurel, Mississippi, Larry McGill—better known as Ra’Shad the Blues Kid—was raised on soul and gospel. A musician at heart, Ra’Shad got his start in 2011, anchoring the Groove Band before stepping up to the microphone. He honed his craft under the mentorship of local legends like L.C. Ulmer, later adopting his stage name in Ulmer’s honor. Ra’Shad’s signature sound seamlessly blends Southern soul, traditional blues, and gospel, capturing what he calls “real situations” and “trail ride feelings.” Since his 2017 debut, he has released a steady string of acclaimed projects, including Country Soul, Southern Side of Soul, and Bluz Me—the latter earning an Underground Southern Soul Award nomination for his socially conscious track, “Revolution.” His career has since shifted into overdrive. Nominated for the Jus Blues “B.B. King of the Blues” Award, Ra’Shad has been inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame, granted honorary membership to the legendary Ground Zero Blues Club, and featured in Living Blues Magazine. He has shared stages with blues royalty like Bobby Rush and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and represented Mississippi at the Chicago Blues Festival. Most recently, Ra’Shad took home 2nd place and the prestigious Lee Oskar Silver Prize at the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
As a songwriter, composer, and producer, Ra’Shad the Blues Kid continues to build deep musical bridges, constantly evolving his sound for years to come.
