Samantha Fish: My Life In Five Riffs

GuitarPlayer.com | Blues and Americana chameleon Samantha Fish picked drums as her first instrument but found her true passion when she switched to guitar. Digging backward from the classic rock she heard at home led her to discover the Delta blues and the Mississippi hill country scene. Along the way, she developed a knack for blurring genre lines when she isn’t knocking them down. Here are the five riffs that changed her life.
00:37 "Shake 'Em on Down," Mississippi Fred McDowell
03:38 "American Girl," Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
06:21 "Same Old Blues," Freddie King
10:31 "War Pigs," Black Sabbath
13:39 "Goin' Down South," R.L. Burnside
Video by Jim Beaugez and J.B. Lawrence

[@kendushane1039]

Everyone focuses on her excellent guitar work but don’t overlook Samantha’s amazing voice !!!

[@cmatrix4761]

She's got that great southern Missouri gal accent and a singer's voice. It's fantastic.

[@redneckguy2169]

And those legs!!

[@Glrk10]

I focus on her legs/arse

[@juana1483]

​@@redneckguy2169where????

[@massivecumshot]

Love how she gives props to the criminally underrated Mike Campbell. Talented and humble, she's paid her dues and should enjoy a long career.

[@stephen25uk]

She's got it, whatever it is that makes a real musician, she's definitely got it.

[@sirkrutchbluesman3009]

I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY 🎸👍

[@mfin-dave]

What she has is a fantastic ear for music....she touches on country, punk, rock, blues... combines them all into a stew of ingredients that maybe shouldn't work, but finesses it to work. A rock comparison is Jack White...

[@guitarman_3693]

she has heart, soul & emotion , but most importantly it's real. as with anyone or anything , if a person has a passion for what they do & apply themselves , everyone cant deny. it could be sound, sight, taste, smell, touch or all of the above, a true artist is real

[@dejuancampbell-music5482]

Samantha Fish is one of my favorite guitarists! She got that mojo like Bonnie Rait. When Samantha Fish plays to brings down the house. One helluva performer! She is a joy to watch play and sing especially when she’s with KingFish, Eric Gales and others. She’s definitely a underrated heavyweight in Blues/Rock!

[@g2D1]

If you watch SRV's early days, and follow his maturing progression, you can see and feel how his playing started to get richer and with more depth. I can see Samantha do the exact same thing! Dripping with blues and with a solid Rock and Roll dimension, she is going to devastate the crowds! First, she is projecting an attitude and feel through her music, then with her guitar she blasts it to the audience. Sublime, delicious, a resonance between the ear drums and sweet bluesy voice.

[@michaelbrewster327]

I am beyond impressed! What an incredible talent she is!

[@scottpetrowski1770]

Love her work ❤ she's down to earth, kind to her fans, and her slow stuff touches my soul! GO girl! 😎

[@johncrouch4740]

An incredible talent. The surface is refined, but the roots and soul are deep…

[@johnnylance]

She has an authenticity that is often missing in musicians these days. Brings tears to my eyes...

[@gregcombs5623]

OMG!!!! Going Down South was my first song I learned on guitar. Playing guitar is the best, Cheers Samantha!!!!

[@romysan1]

she amazes me. really hard working. starting young is the key. I love that she just wanted to play ....so she opened the phone book. Best wishes Samantha !

[@mwhaught]

I have listened to Samantha Fish often as she popped up on my Spotify when I was streaming similar music to hers. After I recently saw her live, I'm convinced that she is the among the best talent out there in the Blues and Blues/Rock scene. I can't wait to see her again!

[@jray5363]

If you weren’t a fan before this, you should be now! She covered every genre. You can tell when someone is in the right line of work, and she was born to play the guitar!

[@mc2mc277]

Smart, humble player, who respects where the music has come from. Great!

[@johntucker3437]

The passion is undeniable... but she didn't stop there, she's putting in the work. Regardless of the art, if the artist isn't committed to the discipline required, that's where the herd is found. Hope to get my face melted off soon by this incredible artist.

[@aircavmedic]

She is extremely talented. A natural with any guitar. A MASTER. Black Sabbath-amazing to see her start & evolving. Her influences. To play with no drums/ bass, & sound great, is a gift.

[@CliffsRiffs]

Samantha is a treat and a musical treasure.

[@barpluc3977]

For the last 60 some-odd years I've been complaining when someone told a great guitarist to sing, because invariably they screwed up their ability to play by trying to sing. About three years ago my son gave me a cut of what I thought was an ancient old blues tune with this phenomenal voice and I loved it. In my head this was a middle-aged woman with a bit of age gravel that created the perfect blues voice. Then I saw this young lady play and sing ... dammit. Love her voice, love her playing, love 'em together could listen to either or both all day, hell I DO listen to both all day.

[@weika1000]

Amen!

[@leegray4999]

Have you never heard of Merle Travis , Chett Atkins , Mark Knopfler etc... there are a lot of top players who can sing ?

[@davidwilkin1202]

Seen her live once... in Milton Keynes UK... they had a tech prob with the drums.. so Sam filled in solo whilst they sorted... such a pro! 😎💥👍

[@barpluc3977]

@@leegray4999 well that's an opinion ... those are on the list of people from whom I make my case. Have you ever heard Chet Atkins sing?? Mark Knopfler doesn't sing, he executes a nasal moan.

[@benjaminnelms2456]

You're right, Chet didn't sing and what Mark does works for his music, but it's not singing.

[@dirtydavesgarage8251]

Total badassery right there.....she's the real deal

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

I’ve had my Justin Johnson Signature 3-string shovel guitar for 33 months now and I must say I am your newest fan Samantha!! I also really dig the Mississippi Hill Country Blues. My DNA also makes me enjoy the upbeat rockabilly stuff too. You are great and keep the music coming and I hope to see you live someday

[@rogerwarnes8993]

Samantha Fish - So much talent and ability...AND - Such a wonderful human being too!

[@steveblack4111]

O the music comes from her soul

[@kenvelen1402]

She seems to be a beautiful person

[@kenvelen1402]

@@steveblack4111 yes She plays the bonafied blues and the rock-and-roll truth

[@ferris4061]

7:10 This was an incredible learning moment for me. For whatever reason, after hearing blues guitarists talking about mixing minor and major or "playing major over the minor" for years, it never made any sense to me until I heard Samantha say this and play those two little riffs in B and D minor. I grabbed my guitar immediately and suddenly it all makes perfect sense. Thank you for unlocking this little mystery for me!!! Wow, I feel like i just levelled up.

[@George19532009]

Using 7th's in passing chords sounds cool too

[@jokermaan1]

Yeah, a sudden piece of inspiration for me too! Made such sense! Thanks Samantha!

[@wyattkelly]

Saw her in concert in 2019. Such a talent, just electrified the crowd.

[@rustyFishstick]

She's something else! Samantha Fish, every bit of you (talent) is delicious and I'm left wanting more! You've got great taste, fantastic singing voice, rhythm, beauty, depth, emotion, oozing the blues goodness, just to name a few; then you dashed a little Petty in there and went and topped it with Sabbath! Damn, you've got that wow factor! I sure look forward to hearing you live. I bet there's a blues fest in Texas needing you on the list. You can rock!

[@peter10245]

I knew she was raised with the Blues first Time i saw her on KZbin. Then she tells the Story of her Father and Friends playing Blues at Home. It is so obviously when you hear her play and sing. She absorbed it in a very young Age. That´s the best.

[@markosbourne9800]

She’s definitely a natural and so comfortable playing music. So down to earth . I love her older look as much as her new hair style and her eye lash look. The 1950 era fits her well just like her leather pants. A person has to change to evolve and she did just that. I could hang out with her all day. Love ya Samantha

[@tomchrisfield7348]

I agree, she young in years, but seems to be an old soul on the guitar, I'll bet she could rock that 50's rockabilly sound easily.

[@markosbourne9800]

If I could afford it I would hire her and band to play for my birthday

[@britteach]

That's a perfect playlist. Never heard of Samantha Fish until today. The Freddie King song is raw emotion. Woah. I like what she did with War Pigs, too. That was a great way to spend a quarter of an hour.

[@ManicSalamander]

I marvel at how complete Samantha is. She walks onstage with a guitar, and even if everything and everyone else in the band, the electricity and her shoes disappeared, the stage would remain full of Samantha, and the five thousand would still be fed. I have never seen anyone less dependent on circumstance to put on a good show. It was a great show in the early days when she served up a fearless four-wheel drift through a song, just hanging on, never wiping out. It is still a great show now that she is technically brilliant, casually fast, and every bit of drama is by design.

[@GIBKEL]

She’s so recognizable….I never knew of her and and heard her all of my life.

[@enzoitgoes8335]

Humility is attractive..and so is talent.

[@roberth5611]

I miss seeing her play live. Her voice always made my inner soul feel alive. Good times.

[@mrphil2557]

She sings and plays like a first class diva, but she's really just the sweetest girl-next-door from the heartland - and man, she knocks me out.

[@greatwhitewing]

Your version of War Pigs is what got me interested and following Sam...

[@ronvogt00]

Same, first intro to Sam was War Pigs from like 2012. Fell in love right then and there.

[@dppatton972]

I LIVED IN MISSISSIPPI GRATE PEOPLE THERE !! YOU HAVE STYLE GRIL ❤️👍

[@zirconarmadillo]

I've followed her career for years now and it's as if Samantha Fish refuses to be identified with traditional labels, much like this playlist. Her music has evolved in a most interesting way.

[@craigbaker9975]

Samantha Fish is so talented it's insane! I love everything about this woman! I was so fortunate to see live! She didn't do lay it down that did piss me off! Go see her live you will not be disappointed!

[@200MPHINTHEWRONGLANE]

She’s amazing she’s in my top 5 best guitarists ...and climbing 😍

[@josephk4310]

She is sooo talented, I admire her ocean of talent.

[@craigbaker9975]

Samantha Fish is just next level genius! I am so grateful I got to see her live. I'm just praying for one more one more tour from ACDC. I missed Malcolm damn sure don't want to miss Angus! It was seeing Samantha that really drove that on for me. Cannot wait to see what she does next.

[@davidfrench169]

Huge fan of Samantha's! Her take on "Same Old Blues" is incredible! I could listen to it over & over!

[@craigstichter6175]

Best version of War Pigs I've ever heard! I'm a fan!

[@abchappell01]

Samantha Fish is one of the most talented musical artists ever born :)

[@George19532009]

I agree, she's my favorite female guitarist, Love the way she fronts her stage, she has a personality and it isn't an "into oneself" attitude

[@DEeMONsworld]

why limit it to "female"

[@George19532009]

@@DEeMONsworld I have my favorite male entertainers as well

[@DEeMONsworld]

@@George19532009 do you have your favorite transgender performers also?

[@George19532009]

@@DEeMONsworld I don't limit myself to what a person diddles or who they diddle. That's their problem, not mine so don't attempt to take a conversation regarding music into mental illness issues. I enjoy music from Queen and Jackson to AC/DC and Bad Company all the way to Walon and Willie. As far as my favorite entertainer? I am my own favorite entertainer! After 47 years of on stage performances and the many years in basements, dark apartments and in studios I entertained myself and many others and still do. Even when it doesn't pay, it is still entertaining and being straight, gay, black or white has nothing to do with it. It doesn't mean I'm not influenced by those who were there before me. Some people entertain themselves trying to force their problems down the throats of others but I don't have any of those issues and I don't believe it's anybody's business who, what, where or if I diddle. Answer all your questions?

[@jamesgodlewski2441]

At 1040. When she said she loved Black Sabbath, my first mind was "War Pigs" This artist rendered it anew, not easy to do, but she did it!!!

[@stilesthissell]

She always makes me cry, she's incredible, a national treasure!

[@cg505able]

Love her! I have been listening to her for a few years. Her music stole my heart and soul!

[@finnflashen]

Damn , didn't expect a Sabbath cover amongst these .Much appreciated ♥️:-)

[@anthonyz7000]

That actually is how I found her on KZbin way back in 2014, her cover of War Pigs. She sings it so soulfully that I had an epiphany: it's like a heavy metal gospel song, with the devil and the end of the world and all the sinners getting sent to hell. Amazing. Here, this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y36Qh6uih6eVmcU

[@larrydellinger6679]

She's awesome! Great live!! She can play anything!

[@frankcorrenti5941]

She has brought all her past along with her and blessed us with its Arts and Letters insofar as her style allows which is what we we love, the whole damn thing.

[@drjbraun]

What a talented and gorgeous woman. Was hoping to see Samantha play in Seattle in May,...hope she tours close to the PNW soon.

[@patrickconnelly8053]

Yeah I was hoping to see her in Portland and Seattle, but maybe next year she will come back to the PNW or play the Gorge would be awesome venue to see her play at too .

[@ldolphin34]

If she did the Puyallup Fair I would buy tickets on sight. She's deserving of the spotlight in every way.

[@PhotoTrekr]

I enjoyed that more than anything I've heard from her in years.

[@rwk1013]

That sounds amazing. I love to hear a great voice and some awesome guitar pickin. Keep it up girl.

[@mr.vinegaroon3132]

I can't take my eyes off her. She hypnotizes me. Such a commanding presence onstage. I catch her gigs whenever she has one within 500 miles of me. I was crushed when her Charleston show was cancelled due to this accursed virus.

[@MikeSrok]

I know what your saying...we were supposed to see her on May 27th, but it's postponed for now...

[@RichardSmith-um4js]

She also had to cancel in Austin TX...bummer.

[@mr.vinegaroon3132]

@@RichardSmith-um4js Her web page says she's going to begin gigs again in Europe after July 4. Hope it works for her. Some of the European governments might still be trying to keep crowds from forming at that time. The schedule says she'll be back in Charleston in November. I sure hope so. I also notice that somehow she doesn't have near as many Florida gigs as she once did. Not sure why, I've seen her all over Florida at one time or another.

[@gtsipejr]

Crushed, really?

[@mr.vinegaroon3132]

@@gtsipejr Devastated. I mean it. I love this lady.

[@05chopp32]

Just Amazing ! Strong Guitar and Voice, shes got it all, looking for tickets now

[@Birkguitars]

So good to listen to a genuine musician. She has dropped War Pigs from the set and I can understand why as it allows a greater focus on her original material but i was fortunate enough to see her in Birmingham (UK) in 2019 and she did it as the encore in homage to the home of Black Sabbath. It was an incredible performance and a generous nod to the music that contributed to her sound. And Bill Ward was technically a jazz drummer ;-)

[@bombercountyblues]

Ginger,, mitch.. All the best rock drummers are technically jazz drummers

[@kevinismawayoflife4660]

I also got to see her do War Pigs. If they don’t cancel my August festival I will get to see her again this year

[@ronvogt00]

Saw her in Mar 2022, someone called out for War Pigs - she laughed and said everyone always calling for it, she may put it back in the set.

[@mankenybom9344]

A relief to see a good slide guitarist using a pick. I've struggled quite some time to learn how to do "correct picking", but every time I pick up my pick (no joke intended), it feels like coming home.

[@julianenglish2278]

Beautiful … raw music. Beautiful … personality. Fabulous voice; and a … unique Natural Beauty. And many musical influences flow within the stream of great performances straight from the soul of this natural rocker. Forza Samantha .

[@bradcoffman7395]

I never thought I would like cigars. But that is smokin'. Can't wait to see you when the coast is clear! LA

[@garyleesjukejoint9510]

I love this! Samantha Fish is one hell of a talented musician. One of my very favorites. So happy to have found this. Thank you.

[@malcolmi]

SHAKEM ON DOWN !! It was our first song that introduced me to you !! Still as enjoyable as the first time.

[@StephenCotterell]

Wow oh wow of wow. This is a wonderful insight into a talented human being, our culture and passions.

[@bluebluebluebird]

Being from Memphis myself R.L Burnside was alway a great to hear be it Wild Bills or Young Ave. Deli. Or the occasional Baristers.

[@dustdevl3404]

This is great. Discovered her a year or two ago. Hopefully I'll get to see her live at some point.

[@ronvogt00]

Go see her live as soon as you can. You won\t be disappointed.

[@ronin10bt]

Your playing brought me here. Your voice keeps me here. I will see you next week in Knoxville, TN.

[@dianedickow1059]

How do I not know about her? As a woman who plays a little guitar she is inspiring!

[@johnnyhoodoo1200]

Your heart and soul, combined with the evident skill and desire to entertain, is a pleasure which I am so glad to have found. Thank you.

[@northernjohnson6242]

She's so amazing! I could listen to her all day and she us on my playlist so heavily, I may be addicted

[@johnnoeth2191]

War Pigs! I love your version!

[@deanmccaskill5495]

So this is like the fourth or fifth time I’ve seen her now. I like her 4 or five times more than the first time.

[@ianschroth6575]

Love seeing her playing a well worn cigar box guitfiddle. Samantha is a super talented Blues artist. A real pro.

[@bryanmannoia8410]

I have been digging her on the B. B. king station. this was cool, especially the R.L Burnside cover.

[@DavidWilliams-qr5ro]

You have taken great songs and improved them so much! You are a true artist.

[@annearmagh]

Cool seriously talented woman! Amazing sound.....🌟

[@chucklamb3496]

Love you Samantha 😎

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

That was wonderful.💌

[@jsmith3980]

An amazing singer and guitarist....why haven't I heard of her before now. Looking forward to seeing her in the UK 2023.

[@GregSchroder]

There's a great music venue here in Houston called The Heights Theater. Their calendar for the next 12 months is up, and tickets are on sale. Samantha Fish is coming to Houston in November. Before then, there are lots of fantastic artists coming through. But of all the great artists and great shows on sale, there is only one of them that's already sold out. Samantha Fish.

[@rustymeals8248]

What a Classy woman. I would love to see her perform a live show. Awesome. 🤗😎

[@robinpeterson106]

Sam makes "Same Old Blues" her own.

[@RhythmTrimJim]

Love her ❤ thanks for the video

[@kennywohltman436]

Great video. Beautiful and talented what a perfect combination.

[@mjack7445]

Top! She brings the blues back to life 🤘🎸🎶

[@davidn503]

I discovered Samantha doing Black Wind Howlin on the Don Odell Legends video. Knew immediately that this woman is special beyond description. Basically love everything she does; fan for life. Sam, you have such God given talent, please take care of yourself.

[@muchelleeaton6131]

I have followed you from your beginning, and I have loved every minute. This, my woman, is my favorite. My all time favorite style, and I'm a rocker raised on blues and soul. So you speak to my soul and heart.

[@joejones4237]

Love You Sam , please come back to Vancouver Canada after Covid

[@chrisheise2912]

Samantha Fish: amazing guitar player, singer, woman. I’m a fan. 🎸

[@andredepuille6241]

c est trop bon thank you j adore cette chanteuse surtout a la GUITARE

[@beehives8954]

She's Amazing as good as SRV in her own way - Beautiful

[@mozartsmate6358]

you knob.

[@the350v8]

Wow.... amazing..

[@mckcpaul1]

Amazing!

[@rockinws6567]

Love her!

[@bearbryant3495]

Distinctive soulful voice and high level guitar skills. I'd say I want to see her break nationally but I don't know what category she would fall into and I don't want to see her change for the market. Maybe we should just keep her to ourselves.

[@BobInKC1]

I think she can play a bit of everything. Her blues are great. She does country. But, I like her best when she's just rocks. Rip it 'n grip it. I've been following her for about ten years and she has grown so much. I'm more than willing to continue the ride wherever it may take us. Break nationally? She's pretty well known. Just ask the Stones. Before they had to cancel over Mick's heart issues she was going to open for them.

[@ManicSalamander]

I wish her just enough success that she never feels like a fool, but not enough that her handlers force her to play acoustically shitty stadiums and isolate her from her fans. Just the right amount of success. I hope she can do what she loves, in the way that she loves, for as long as she loves it, and in small enough venues that it is worth it for me to go.

[@robertkroberjr.157]

Killer Tone! Love you Samantha!🤗💕🌷

[@cindarella1100]

❤ the way you express yourself in an interview, look at you, your rockin out to Sabbath ☺ I always find you Amazing!

[@toddj9548]

One of my favorite guitarist!

[@ramstang]

Love your music. So much Heart

[@pieropistone2861]

Grande Samantha. Con stile fantastica..❤

[@robertbeckerii2715]

She's so darn kool !!!

[@andreyreva5005]

Well what can I say??!! Samantha is just a GODDESS!!!!

[@ThomasWGay]

A true original, the one and only, outta 8 billion things to see the light. Thank you Baby. True Magic. And everything else.....