Twenty-one-year-old Clarksdale native Anthony Sherrod grew up in a musical home. His father, E.J. Johnson, is a gospel singer and still performs with the group The Golden Stars. At the age of six, Anthony picked up his first guitar and hasn’t stopped playing. In fact, he not only plays guitar but bass, drums, and keyboards—and he sings.

Anthony developed his well-rounded appreciation for the blues as one of the many kids under the influence of blues educator Johnnie Billington. With his strict practice schedule and list of life lessons, Mr. Johnnie kept Anthony busy. So much so that when he wasn’t practicing under Mr. Johnnie’s gaze, he could probably be found cutting his grass; Mr. Johnnie made sure his students earned the right to perform, while also learning respect and responsibility.

Anthony took those lessons to heart and is now having a hand in teaching Clarksdale’s next generation of musicians. He can be found every Thursday at Sarah’s Kitchen, playing music and mentor to young musicians in his hometown. Anthony is also a member of the band the Deep Cuts and was featured in the documentary film Last of the Mississippi Jukes. Today, he is working on his next band project, The Big 8 All-Stars. With so much experience under his belt already, Anthony Sherrod is sure to make his mark.

-Amy Evans