Shemekia Copeland

A New York-based blues singer with a gutty voice, Copeland was opening shows by the time she was 15. In this Mountain Stage performance, she showcases songs from her latest album, Never Going Back.

It's been 20 years since the Grammy-winning folk-pop duo Indigo Girls released its major-label breakthrough, achieving instant notoriety for "Closer to Fine." Since then, it's released a long string of warmly received, independent-minded CDs. Hear Indigo Girls perform live in concert from WXPN in Philadelphia, followed by Shemekia Copeland.

When the young blues singer performs with a band, it's almost guaranteed to be an electrifying experience. But at Jazz24, Copeland came with just her voice and a guitarist. It was a rare opportunity to hear her powerful and soulful voice on its own.

Ever since the new "Queen of Blues" made her debut at age 19, she's been working to re-create the blues for a new generation. On Copeland's latest release, Never Going Back, she incorporates pop and jazz into her soulful singing, which conveys a message of inspiration and empowerment for the modern woman.

Copeland knows the blues, but maintains that singing it doesn't have to be sad. Some of the songs on her new album, Never Going Back, touch on hardship and loss. But she focuses on empowerment instead of wallowing in defeat.

Blueswoman Shemekia Copeland's voice rings rich with attitude and soul. The singer talks with Debbie Elliott about her new album, The Soul Truth, and why her lyrics tell stories of strong women standing up for themselves.

Copeland knows the blues, but maintains that singing it doesn't have to be sad. Some of the songs on her new album, Never Going Back, touch on hardship and loss. But she focuses on empowerment instead of wallowing in defeat.