On today's episode of Americana podcast: the 51st state- Kevin Russell. Also known as Shinyribs
Kevin Russell, or as we've been calling him "the physical embodiment of sound"- was born in the late 60's in Beaumont, Texas. In his formative years- Russell's family relocated to Shreveport Louisiana, where he was exposed to one of the richest hotbeds for roots-based music. At 17 he began to play in various bars and venues across the state and in the early 90's he relocated to Austin, TX. In 1994 he became a member of the cult-classic band "The Gourds" which lasted until 2013. 
Since then Russell has been performing as Shinyribs- a musical Hoge podge of anything from gritty swamp rock, to smooth soul, to just flat-out groovy songs. Also the purveyor of one of the most fun and entertaining live shows, ever.  
Russell's timeline exemplifies not only a part of where Americana music started "officially" but hopefully where its going as well. 
Shinyribs is also joining our host Robert Earl Keen, not only on the podcast but on Keen's annual Christmas tour this year!