Kody Shade Harrell

Kody Shade Harrell is quickly becoming a force in the world of modern blues and Americana. Drawing inspiration from legendary bluesmen such as R.L. Burnside and Mississippi Fred McDowell, but also contemporaries like North Mississippi Allstars and The Black Keys, Kody blends the raw juke joint soul of rural country blues with psychedelic guitar improvisation and relatable writing on the Southern experience. Kody uses an array of unique instruments — including handcrafted 6-string and 4-string cigar box and license plate guitars (by Junkpile Guitars of Acton, CA) — to create a sound that pays homage to the deep traditions of rural country blues, his Mississippi roots, and the classic rock soundtrack of his childhood.

A proud Mississippi native, Kody’s musical journey began as a child with his parent’s classic rock radio, igniting a love for southern psychedelic rock like The Allman Brothers. This passion led him to explore the roots and rich legacy of his home state’s music, particularly North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, where he immersed himself in the repertoire and community, forging meaningful connections with the genre’s leading musicians. As a student of the scene, Kody cultivated his craft through years of dedication and performance, attending workshops, juke joints, house parties, and ultimately performing and touring with the torchbearers. 

Kody’s first opportunity came in 2015 when Duwayne and Garry Burnside invited him to join their bands as a slide guitarist. From there he befriended Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, Black Crowes), quickly supporting NMA touring and sitting in routinely. In 2020, he became the late Grammy-nominated R.L. Boyce’s blues apprentice, and in 2022 studied under The Black Keys collaborator and Hill Country Blues guru Eric Deaton in the same capacity, made possible by the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Folk Arts Apprenticeship program.

“With Kody, he’s always going to another level and it is inspiring to see.” -Eric Deaton

His skills as a sideman have flourished through his current role as touring bassist for National Heritage Fellow and Grammy-winner Cedric Burnside, where he has been able to bring his own flair to international audiences, captivating them with his dynamic stage presence, playing, and deep groove. In addition to his work with Burnside, Harrell regularly provides the low-end for Eric Deaton, bassist for the late Junior Kimbrough. Kody further showcases his versatility and artistry as guitarist and vocalist in The Harrell Brothers, a collaboration with eldest sibling Kane, that highlights both his songwriting and collaborative spirit. In 2021, Harrell became a founding member of the North Mississippi blues-rock band Proud Hound.

Outside of touring, Kody serves as production assistant at the legendary Zebra Ranch Studio, founded by the late Jim Dickinson, now run by son Luther Dickinson. In addition, he fills the role of engineer at Kenny Brown's (of R.L. Burnside) home studio. Kody’s time at Zebra Ranch and Brown's studio has deepened his connection to Mississippi’s musical heritage while allowing him to contribute to various projects that carry that legacy forward, including his production assistant role on North Mississippi Allstars’ 2021 Grammy-nominated Up and Rollin', and Cedric Burnside’s 2024 Grammy-nominated Hill Country Love albums.