R. L. Burnside

For the stage director, see R. H. Burnside.
R. L. Burnside
Burnside performing at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee
Burnside performing at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee
Background information
Born(1926-11-23)November 23, 1926
Harmontown, Mississippi, U.S.
OriginOxford, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedSeptember 1, 2005(2005-09-01) (aged 78)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1960s–2005
LabelsFat Possum

R. L. Burnside (November 23, 1926 – September 1, 2005) was an American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. He played music for much of his life but received little recognition before the early 1990s. In the latter half of that decade, Burnside recorded and toured with Jon Spencer, garnering crossover appeal and introducing his music to a new fan base in the punk and garage rock scenes.