Chris Pitts hails from a family of talented musicians, inheriting their distinctive sound. At the age of five, he was gifted a guitar by his uncle, who introduced him to Elvis Presley’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” This ignited his passion for music, and he began to play. By the time he turned thirteen, his parents bought him his first electric guitar.

Chris played his first gig at age twelve with the band Fade on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. He later performed alongside his uncle, Steve Nelson, at This Is It, a popular club on Beale Street. Chris became a regular performer at this well-known Memphis venue, as well as at Wild Bill’s, where both his uncle and great-uncle, Clarence Nelson, had played before him.

Over the years, Pitts has shared the stage with notable musicians such as Bobby Rush, Latimore, and Blind Mississippi Morris. In 2016, he joined Mississippi Bigfoot as both a guitarist and vocalist. Now performing solo or with his band, the Memphis Prime, he is joined by talented friends Tay, Jeremy, and Shannon. Chris Pitts and the Memphis Prime have won the hearts of many with their dynamic showcases featuring original compositions and favorites from legends such as Albert King, Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Howlin’ Wolf, Charley Pride, and Jimi Hendrix. This talented group brings a fresh and funky vibe to Old Soul music with depth and passion that is memorable and unmatched.

Pitts’ versatility as a musician allows him to seamlessly transition across genres, showcasing his ability to play any style of music with finesse and emotional depth. His uncle first introduced him to Elvis Presley, followed by Roy Clark, Jerry Reed, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Albert Collins, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and B.B. King, to name a few.

Currently, Chris Pitts is making waves in the music scene with the release of his single “Jus Wanna Live” and is soon set to release his second single “Son Gone Shine” from his upcoming album. His new work promises to captivate audiences with its innovative sound and heartfelt lyrics, marking another exciting chapter in his career.

Chris Pitts loves all genres of music and loves to share it with people. You can see his soul shine with every live performance as he moves people with his music.

Chris Pitts & The Memphis Prime were chosen to represent Memphis for 2022’s International Blues Challenge as Best Blues Band. Here is his interview with @Memphis Music Room.

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