How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram

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Clarksdale, Mississippi, a town nestled in the Mississippi Delta, is famous as the home of the blues. Legend says that musician Robert Johnson gained his incredible talent by making a deal with the devil at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 – a place known as “the crossroads.”

This city has been home to many blues legends, including Muddy Waters, W.C. Handy, John Lee Hooker, Son House, Ike Turner, and Sam Cooke. More recently, Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, who Buddy Guy believes will be a major force in the blues, also lived and worked here.

Kingfish grew up in and around Clarksdale, Mississippi, and started learning guitar at the Delta Blues Museum when he was just eight years old. By ten, he was already playing gigs at local clubs. He quickly became a talented young musician, and at fourteen, he had the incredible opportunity to perform for First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. He was part of a group of young musicians representing the museum. Kingfish is so proud of his roots that he even named his second album “662,” after the area code of his home region.

This man, who grew up in the country, later met a woman from Los Angeles and relocated to Southern California. Though their romance ended, he fell in love with his new home and stayed.

A year and a half ago, Kingfish relocated to Hollywood and transformed his home office into a recording studio. He then co-founded Red Zero Records with his manager, Ric Whitney, a Los Angeles-based label focused on discovering and supporting talented blues musicians who deserve more recognition. He even recorded a significant portion of his recent album, “Hard Road”—a vibrant mix of blues, rock, funk, and soul—at his home studio and other local studios.

He said he really likes living here. Everything he needs is easily accessible, and there are plenty of resources. He also loves the weather, explaining that while it can get hot, it’s much milder than back in Mississippi. He’s amazed by Los Angeles.

During a Zoom call from his home in Hollywood, Kingfish described his ideal Sunday.

7:30 a.m.: Music man

I start my day by heading straight to the studio to listen to the music I worked on the previous day, or any new releases. I’m constantly seeking inspiration and trying to create something fresh.

8:30 a.m.: A smoothie and sweat

For breakfast, I usually have a green smoothie made with kale, spinach, bananas, and blueberries, plus a scoop of collagen. Sometimes I’ll have eggs with spinach and a side of fruit instead. After that, I often hop on my treadmill for a 30- to 45-minute workout – it’s conveniently located in my garage, right next to my drum set.

10 a.m.: Studio redux

It might sound like a cliché, but music has always been central to my life – I’ve been surrounded by it since childhood. That’s why I’m always making music, and why I built a studio right in my house. It allows me to fully focus and work on projects whenever I feel inspired.

Noon: Healthful eats

I usually grab lunch at either Mr. Charlie’s, a fast-food place with plant-based options, or Tender Greens. I’m working with a dietitian to improve my diet and find foods that are both healthy and delicious. I’ve lost sixty pounds since the summer, and I feel much more energetic when I perform. Eating well and exercising have really made a difference, and Los Angeles is a great place to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

1:30 p.m.: Guitar nirvana

I don’t have a driver’s license, so I’ll be taking a rideshare – Uber, Lyft, or Waymo – to Guitar Center after lunch. Like many musicians, I enjoy browsing there to see what new equipment I might want for myself or my studio. It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by so much gear! I usually try out a few guitars and look at different effects pedals. I have a pretty big collection – around 70 or 80 guitars, between what I keep in Mississippi and here in L.A. – and I really love them.

3:30 p.m.: I want to take you higher

There are some really good cannabis dispensaries where I live. It’s easy to access great options around areas like La Brea, Melrose, and Fairfax. I think Los Angeles has some of the best cannabis products available. Personally, I prefer indica strains, and I especially like Artist Tree, The Woods, and Herbarium – they really help me relax and feel my best.

5 p.m.: Grooving at the Grove

I live fairly close to the Grove, and I especially enjoy visiting during the holidays. I love seeing the lights and decorations, watching the model trains, and just observing people and families enjoying themselves.

I enjoy going to Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill for dinner – it’s a great place for sushi and the fish is always really fresh. I also like to check out the shops, especially the Nike store since I collect sneakers. Sometimes I’ll stop by the Apple Store too.

I might also switch things up and head to the Westfield Culver City mall – formerly known as Fox Hills. There’s a great store there called Metropolis that specializes in big and tall sizes. It’s where I actually get all my stage clothes because they have a good selection that fits well and looks good.

7:30 p.m.: The Sun Rose

I’ve discovered this really cool, low-key venue – it feels like a cozy little lounge. I’ve been there a few times now, actually! We even had my afterparty there after my show in L.A. back in October. What I love is the variety – sometimes they have a DJ, sometimes a live band, and sometimes both! The music really runs the gamut, from R&B to jazz, which is awesome. It’s just a great place to chill with friends and grab a drink. I’m even working on putting together a monthly blues night there, hopefully starting in 2026.

10 p.m.: Rock on

I usually finish my evenings back at my studio. I might be inspired by the music I heard at the Sun Rose earlier. I’m always working on my own projects, or helping the new artists on our label – like Dylan Triplett, an incredible blues singer from St. Louis, or Mathias Lattin, a jazzy blues guitarist and singer from Houston – if they’re visiting. Sometimes I’ll have musicians and producers over to jam. If we’re feeling good, we can record a couple of songs, maybe even three. That’s enough to tire me out – I’m usually asleep by one or two in the morning.

I’m taking a writing class at USC taught by Ballon, who used to be a reporter for really big publications like The Times, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine. He actually lives pretty close by, in Fullerton.

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2026-05-01 13:32