R.L. Burnside & The Sound Machine

The Profile

R.L. Burnside (Robert Lee Burnside, 1926–2005) was an American blues singer and guitarist from Mississippi, associated with hill-country and electric Delta blues. He recorded for Fat Possum and performed with the Sound Machine; late-career collaborations brought him wider recognition.

Born 1926 — died 2005. Gained broader recognition after appearing in the documentary Deep Blues and through releases on Fat Possum. Collaborated with Jon Spencer (A Ass Pocket of Whiskey) and released albums including Bad Luck City and Come On In. Praised for a pounding, hypnotic electric blues style that retained rural Delta qualities.

R.L. Burnside & The Sound Machine are presented as a vital electric/hill-country blues act. The single DeBaser review praises Burnside's raw, hypnotic Delta sound and highlights late recognition through Deep Blues and Fat Possum. Key albums mentioned include Bad Luck City, Too Bad Jim and Come On In. Collaborations (notably with Jon Spencer) helped bring Burnside to indie-rock audiences.