An underground modern blues artist.
In 1964, Alabama Mike was born Michael Benjamin in Talladega Alabama. This was where he spent all of his formative years. Early on, he was musically influenced by his father Joseph Benjamin, from whom he inherited that soulful, gospel drenched approach to his vocal style. A stint in the US Navy brought him to Oakland Ca where he now resides. His early influences were ZZ Hill, Johnnie 'Soul" Taylor, Lightning Hopkins and Junior Wells. He has won various awards and has been nominated by The Blues Foundation on several occasions. He has appeared on many major festivals, both domestically and internationally and is presently been referred to by some as the Future Of The Blues! He has to date released several solo projects that are available on most digital platforms. The most recent releases being, "Upset The Status Quo" which includes the hits MISSISSIPPI and Restraining Order and also a Big Tone Records release entitled "Hip You To My Blues". He is presently collaborating with Little Village Foundation on an upcoming release titled " Fat Shame", due out November 11.2022. He has collaborated and shared the stage with many industry giants including ,Kid Andersen, D’Mar Martin, Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets, Bob Corritore, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Toni Tone Tony, Jim Pugh, Jerry Jemmott, Bob Corritore , Kim Wilson and many others. In his latest tour, Alabama Mike joined the Andy T Band featuring Anson Funderburgh. Alabama's works locally with, The Mighty Revelators.
Alabama Mike plays contemporary Chicago-style blues and uptown soul, blending gospel-drenched vocals with witty lyricism.
Alabama Mike is based in the San Francisco Bay Area after relocating from Alabama.
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