Big Joe Shelton was honored in 2007 by being included on the “Columbus / Cat Fish Alley” Mississippi Blues Trail Marker. He was deeply influenced by Joe Williams, who was a friend as well as an instructor. Ben Ferrell (on guitar) fires out of the gate with a repetitive, uptempo guitar hook to kick off the opener, while Big Joe’s harp provides constant reminders of his talent. His CDs have been listed in the top ten on numerous national and international blues radio charts; "Ridin" A Chicken" is a definite part of that success.

The musical roots of Big Joe Shelton, a Blues Music Award Nominee, run deep in the rich, dark, soil of the Black Prairies of Northeast Mississippi; the same region that spawned the likes of blues icons Howlin’ Wolf, Big Joe Williams and Bukka White. "“Willie King was really an influential guy..." - Big Joe Shelton. Joe garnered a nomination in 2012 at The Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee for “Song of the Year” with high expectations on the 2013 release "I’d Never Let Her Down". This is a confidant recording with lyrics that are stuff that the average working guy can relate to when times can be a little tough. Good for sure!

The aspiring musician moved back to Mississippi in late 1979 and opened a stained glass studio, which he continues to operate today. Shelton also began to perform locally, primarily as a solo performer. By the mid 1990s he decided to push himself more as a musician and began putting together electric blues bands and writing his own material. Shelton currently performs with his four piece band as well as in solo and duo format. In addition to regular club gigs, he performs at festivals throughout the region, including the Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival, Willie King’s Freedom Creek Blues Festival, and the Beale Street Mess Around.