Sheryl joined Mississippi Heat in 2022.
She is a powerful vocalist and a captivating entertainer. Her infectious enthusiasm energizes her audiences and makes a natural connection with the crowd. Her blues rendition is also warm and soulful. We are truly blessed to have such a passionate, talented, and superbly seasoned Blues artist in our group.
Sheryl’s childhood was steeped in music. Her mother, Gwendolyn Youngblood, was her biggest musical influence. She was a pianist and vocalist in their church and the keyboard artist in her own all-female Gospel group, “The Royal Harmonettes”.
Early on, Sheryl began singing and playing various instruments, also in the church. When she was about 10 years old, she formed her own female group called “Sisters” in Mt. Zion Baptist Church. At such an early age, she already wrote several of their songs. She also wrote songs for the National Baptist State Convention (unfortunately, those songs were not recorded).
Soon after, Sheryl auditioned for and was immediately accepted into the world-renowned gospel recording group “Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers of Chicago”, affectionately called “The Tommies”. While singing with “The Tommies”, the group became a Grammy and Stella Award-winning group.
During that time, Sheryl began playing drums and/or singing with various famous recording artist, the list of which is extensive. Among them, are blues luminaries Otis Clay, Artie “BLUES BOY” White, Bobby “Slim” James, “KoKo Taylor, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, and Stormy Weather. Sheryl has opened for many blues artists and legends— The Whispers, Buddy Guy, Chante Moore, Denise LaSalle, Bobby Rush, John Primer, Maurice John Vaughn, to name a few.
In 1995, Sheryl formed the “SAYYES!” band — an all-female band that became known as “UB” SAYYES!—Ultimately Blessed. UB performed a variety of musical styles at a variety of venues, many of which were benefit concerts. SAYYES! still performs today. For more information about SAYYES!, consult Sheryl’s SAYYES! page on this website www.sayyeslive.com
In 2013, she formed “The Sheryl Youngblood Blues Band”. She works regularly in the best Blues venues in Chicago and travels extensively in the US as well as in Canada and Europe. For more in-depth information about her Blues Band, consult her band site: www.sherylyoungbloodband.com.
In the notes for Mississippi Heat’s 14th CD, Pierre says the following about Sheryl:
“Sheryl Youngblood has a commanding stage presence and holds the crowd in the palm of her hand. She has one of the best voices in Chicago.”
