Samantha Fish Shines in All-Star Fox Concert, Honoring Hendrix with Grammy-Nominated Tribute

As the sun marks the transition to fall, Samantha Fish embarks on another tour, heading to Santa Rosa, California. She joins the Experience Hendrix Tour, which celebrates the music and lasting impact of Jimi Hendrix with a series of select performances.

This tour features a noteworthy lineup of exceptional guitarists, including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, and Zakk Wylde. The upcoming concert at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Sunday, September 29, has been dubbed the “Guitar Event Of The Year” by critics and fans alike.

Fish’s musical journey began in Kansas City, where she was immersed in a rich musical environment thanks to her family. “My mom sang in college and in church,” she recalls. Her family lineage is steeped in musical talent, with relatives playing instruments and singing, including her sister, Amanda Fish, who has made a name for herself in blues music.

Reminiscing about her youth, Fish shares that recordings from Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan shaped her early musical tastes. High school concerts, like a performance by Sheryl Crow, made a lasting impression on her, igniting a passion for live music. “I knew the live experience was something special,” she said.

Initially, Fish chose drums to distinguish herself from her family of guitarists, but at 15, she picked up the guitar and quickly fell in love with it. Teaching herself much of her craft, she honed her skills by observing others and learning from family members, particularly her father.

Reflecting on her early career, Fish fondly remembers her first paid gig at a local Kansas City bar. “It was a jam night, and I worked hard for a couple of years before landing a gig at Knuckleheads, where many influential artists performed,” she stated.

By 2009, her breakthrough came with the live album “Live Bait,” which caught the attention of record labels and led to her signing with Ruf Records. “Things started to snowball for me around then,” she explains. Over the years, she has released several solo albums and collaborated on various projects, including a recent Grammy-nominated effort titled “Death Wish Blues.”

Fish’s collaboration with Jesse Dayton on this album showcased her evolution as an artist. “I wanted to work with someone who wasn’t afraid to think outside the box,” she said. Her dedication to music is palpable, as she describes it as both a passion and a livelihood.

The Experience Hendrix Tour, originally initiated by Hendrix’s family in 1995, has grown significantly, evolving into a multifaceted celebration of his influential legacy. It pays tribute to Hendrix, who remains a towering figure in rock history despite his untimely death in 1970.

As Fish prepares for her performances, she recognizes the significance of honoring Hendrix’s contributions to music. “I think Hendrix inspires anyone who picks up an electric guitar. He’s a rock god,” she said enthusiastically. The tour provides her a platform to celebrate Hendrix’s music and connect with audiences, emphasizing the enduring impact of this iconic artist.