Darren Thiboutot Jr.

Darren "Lightnin'" Thiboutot Jr. (born September 5, 1997) is an American guitarist, known for his work with high energy rock band Memphis Lightning. He has also shared the stage and or recorded with Eddie Kirkland, Jimmie Vaughan, Samantha Fish, Albert Castiglia, Paul Nelson, Brent Mason, Robin Trower, Buddy Guy and many more.

Darren Thiboutot Jr.
Lightnin’ performing with Buddy Guy and his band at the Capital Center for the Arts in New Hampshire.
Lightnin’ performing with Buddy Guy and his band at the Capital Center for the Arts in New Hampshire.
Background information
Also known asLightnin’ Thiboutot Jr.
Born (1997-09-05) September 5, 1997
Maine, United States
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active2009 (2009)–present
Websitehttp://www.memphislightning.com

Early life

Thiboutot was born in Maine to his mother Deb, and father Darren "Big Red" Thiboutot. His father was a session and touring blues drummer in the 1990s for artists such as Eddie Kirkland, Tab Benoit, and The Hoo Doo Kings among many others.[1][2] Thiboutot started playing guitar at the age of 8, learning from Teachers, Hero's and Influences like Eddie Kirkland, Magic Sam, Nokie Edwards, Roy Buchanan, Chuck Berry, Roy Nichols and many more. Developing his own guitar sound and known for his use of a guitar stright to an amp, no effects pedals. Thiboutot was diagnosed with a form of cancer, Lymphoma at the age 18 and has been in remission for 7 years. Currently he records and tours with his band Memphis Lightning.[3]

Career

Thiboutot began his professional music career and has played with his band Memphis Lightning since he was 12 years old, with his Father Big Red.[3] His band Memphis Lightning was originally called The Blue Jets before a re-brand. The Blue Jets featured Thiboutot on guitar, his father Big Red on drums and Slow Driver on bass. They were also the founding members of Memphis Lightning, and served as the members for 10 years. Thiboutot initially only played guitar in the band, eventually leading to some vocals before becoming the frontman and primary songwriter. His playing style has been compared to Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan, meeting the crazy stage antics and showmanship of artists such as Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Since starting his career, he has shared the stage with and or recorded with other artists such as Eddie Kirkland, Buddy Guy, Luther Johnson (Guitar Junior), Jimmie Vaughan, Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit, Brent Mason, Paul Nelson, Joanna Connor, Marty Sammon, Big Sandy, Tammi Savoy, Jamiah on Fire and The Red Machine, among others.[4][5] In 2016, Thiboutot represented the state of Maine in The International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase. In 2019, Thiboutot began touring nationwide with his band Memphis Lightning.[1]

In 2022, Memphis Lightning won best self produced album at the International Blues Challenge.[6] Currently, Thiboutot is five years in remission from his cancer, and continues to tour and record. He averages between 150 and 200 shows per year with his band Memphis Lightning.[7]

Discography
  • 2021 – The Road Is My Home with Memphis Lightning
  • 2020 – Borrowed Time with Memphis Lightning
  • 2019 – Live and Raw with Memphis Lightning
  • 2019 – Come Back Home (Live Single) with Memphis Lightning
  • 2019 – Long Road to Nowhere with Mean Green Mothers
  • 2018 – When Nature Calls with Mean Green Mothers
  • 2017 – Trouble with Memphis Lightning
  • 2017 – Waiting on an Answer with Andy Penk
  • 2016 – Instrumental Paradise Part 2
  • 2015 – Instrumental Paradise Part 1

References
  1. Bouchard, Kelley (June 11, 2016). "Darren Thiboutot, Cheverus High School". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  2. "Darren Thiboutot". AllMusic. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  3. "The Blue Jets, Roots, Blues, Rock Roll, Topsham, USA". January 2, 2014. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  4. "Buddy Guy and Darren Thiboutot jam together on stage". YouTube. September 27, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  5. "Band Bio's". Memphis Lightning. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  6. "IBC Best Self Produced Album". The Blues Foundation. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  7. "Jazz and Blues Florida Magazine" (PDF). Jazzbluesflorida. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
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