Guitarist/vocalist Gary Clark, Jr. has established himself as a versatile and innovative artist, blending blues-rock roots with a fusion of genres such as funk, hard rock, and hip-hop to create a unique and ever-evolving sound. Beginning his career by honoring the blues tradition of his hometown in Austin, Texas, Clark gained widespread recognition with his album Blak and Blu in 2012. He took bold steps by collaborating with artists like Alicia Keys and Foo Fighters, delving into political themes on his 2019 album This Land, and incorporating African music influences in his 2024 release, JPEG RAW. Born and raised in Austin, Clark’s musical journey started at a young age when he picked up the guitar at 12 and began performing in local venues. Recognized for his exceptional live performances, he quickly became a standout figure in the blues and rock scene of Austin.
Apart from his exceptional guitar skills, Clark is also a talented singer, songwriter, and composer. His diverse talents led him to compose the score for the film Full Count and to appear in the movie Honeydripper in 2007. His remarkable abilities caught the attention of legendary musician Eric Clapton, who invited Clark to perform at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2010. This opportunity paved the way for Clark to sign a recording deal with Warner Bros and release his major-label debut album, Blak and Blu. The success of his debut was followed by a Grammy Award win for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Clark continued to captivate audiences with his electrifying live performances, as showcased in his two-disc live album recorded during the Blak and Blu tour.
In the following years, Clark further solidified his place in the music industry by releasing successful albums like The Story of Sonny Boy Slim in 2015, which debuted at number eight on the Billboard charts. His collaborations and covers, including a rendition of the Beatles’ ‘Come Together’ for the Justice League soundtrack, demonstrated his musical versatility. A highlight of his career came with the release of his fifth studio album, This Land, in 2019, which garnered critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark remained creatively active by collaborating with various artists and delivering his innovative fourth major-label studio project, JPEG RAW, in 2024, showcasing his exploration of new musical horizons and influences.