WKCTC’s Clemens Center Stage Sessions: JD Wilkes

J.D. Wilkes is an artist and musician living in Paducah, Kentucky. He has recorded harmonica for acts like Merle Haggard, Hank Williams III, John Carter Cash, Mike Patton, Shemekia Copeland, Sturgill Simpson and others. Wilkes is perhaps best known as the founder of the Legendary Shack Shakers, a rocking “hillbilly blues” band formed in the mid-90s. The group recently appeared in their own episode of PBS’s Sun Studio Sessions. Fans of Wilkes’s work include Stephen King, Robert Plant, Billy Bob Thornton and former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra. Rolling Stone named Wilkes as the “best frontman” at the 2015 Americana Music Association Festival for his performance with the band.