Tinsley Ellis - Naked Truth Tour

On Naked Truth (his 21st album), Ellis swaps his signature electric sound for heartfelt acoustic folk blues, showcasing his mastery on his cherished 1969 Martin D-35 and 1937 National Steel guitars. The album features nine original tracks, including the Skip James-inspired “Windowpane” and Delta-styled “Tallahassee Blues,” alongside a transcendent cover of Son House’s “Death Letter Blues.” Four instrumental pieces, including Leo Kottke’s “A Soldier’s Grave On The Prairie,” add depth to this intimate collection.

Born in Atlanta in 1957 and raised in Florida, Ellis was inspired to play guitar after seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. He honed his skills through the blues-infused rock of bands like The Allman Brothers and The Rolling Stones. His breakthrough came with the Heartfixers, Atlanta’s top blues band in the early ’80s, before launching a prolific solo career with Alligator Records.

Over the years, Ellis has shared stages with blues and rock icons, earning acclaim from Rolling Stone for his “feral blues guitar” and from Joe Bonamassa, who calls him “a national treasure.” With Naked Truth, Ellis continues his journey, delivering unvarnished authenticity in both his recordings and live performances.