Blues great Keb’ Mo’ makes a case for the basics with his song “Keep it Simple” — the title track from his 2004 album — during his performance on April 3, 2026, part of the SFJAZZ 2025-26 Season and broadcast on Fridays Live.

An iconic artist who helped re-introduce electric blues into the pop music mainstream, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and five-time GRAMMY winner Keb’ Mo’ gained worldwide fame by embracing the country-blues style of Robert Johnson and combining it with modern blues, R&B, and soul.

The Los Angeles native found early work in his 20s as guitarist and arranger with blues-rock violin legend Papa John Creach and paid his dues on the L.A. club scene. Born Kevin Moore, the guitarist released his eponymous Okeh Records debut under his adopted name in 1994, featuring an inspired collection of songs that established his uniquely hybridized approach, setting the stage for his 1996 sophomore release Just Like You — a commercial and critical breakthrough session that earned Keb’ Mo’ his first GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

He’s collaborated with a staggering list of greats including Bonnie Raitt, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jackson Browne, Natalie Cole, Lyle Lovett, India.Arie, James Cotton, and Bobby Rush, while recording fourteen sweetly soulful records as a leader, racking up four more GRAMMYs and thirteen more nominations including a win for his heartfelt 2019 Concord Records album Oklahoma.

His new album, 2025’s Room on the Porch, is his second co-led release with Taj Mahal under the TajMo moniker and boasts an all-star group of guest artists on a beguiling blend of originals and blues standards.

PERSONNEL:
Keb’ Mo’: vocals, guitar