Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials are a powerhouse Chicago blues band led by fiery slide guitarist and vocalist Lil’ Ed Williams. Mentored by his uncle, blues legend J.B. Hutto, Ed formed the band with his half-brother James ‘Pookie’ Young, and since 1989, the core lineup has included Michael Garrett (guitar) and Kelly Littleton (drums). Known for their raw energy and infectious grooves, The Chicago Sun-Times raves, ‘Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials are the hottest purveyors of bottleneck boogie to come out of Chicago since Hound Dog Taylor.’ With a string of acclaimed albums on Alligator Records, countless international performances, and two Blues Music Awards for Band of the Year, the group continues to thrill audiences worldwide. In 2024, they were inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame, cementing their place as modern legends of the genre.