Tee Dee Young is a blues guitarist from the Bluegrass — right here in Lexington in fact. He’s been successfully writing, touring + “firing down on the guitar” for the last ~55 years.
Former mayor Jim Gray found Tee Dee’s career to be so impressive, that in 2017 he declared September 13 “Tee Dee Young Day.”
Let’s learn a bit more about one of our city’s most accomplished musicians.
Accomplishments
- “International Blues Challenge” finalist by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN
- Voted “Best Blues Band” in the state of Kentucky by the Kentucky Blues Society
- Voted the 2011 “Beale Street Blues King”
- “2015 Best Blues Artist” at the Lexington Music Awards
Entrepreneur
Tee Dee has never stepped away from the guitar, but in the early 1980s, he did step into a new role — business manager.
After touring the country + collaborating with world-renowned musicians, Tee Dee opened the Bluegrass Progressive Club, located at 266 E. Second St.
In reference to the early years, the Lexington Herald-Leader wrote, “Young remembers leaving the front door open to practice with his blues band, and people being lured in from the streets by the siren sounds.”
This turned into a bit of a tradition. The club is open every Monday night and Tee Dee + his band perform from 8-11 p.m. every Monday night.
Live
In honor of the fifth anniversary of “Tee Dee Young Day,” a celebration concert is being held at the Lyric Theatre on Fri., Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. The event will feature several regional acts + a headlining performance by Tee Dee Young himself. Tickets are now on sale.
Listen
Legacy
Tee Dee Young will officially be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on Fri., Oct. 28, 2022.
