Duffy Bishop is a force of nature and an unforgettable performer. Her new album, I’m Gonna Do What I Want, speaks volumes about who she is — a genre-breaking, take-no-prisoners, passionate performer who defies any one label.

Duffy is a living treasure on the West Coast and is in the Halls of Fame for The Washington Blues Society, The Cascade Blues Association and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. 

Duffy is influenced by the entirety of American music. From the time she was a little girl, Duffy would soak up everything—from Memphis Minnie to Judy Garland, Ella to Janis, Dylan to Bowie. She loved the performers who could walk out on stage, hold your heart in their hand and transport you to another world. Like the artists who inspired her, Duffy’s charisma, authentic voice, and ferocious presence send chills down the spine and puts a smile on the face. 

Duffy has enjoyed learning from the many greats she has been fortunate to open for, including Etta James, Ruth Brown, Lou Rawls, Bo Diddley (who called her “dangerous”), and The Neville Brothers, to name just a few. 

Duffy’s mission statement is clear, “There is always more music to create, in hopes of helping make people happier and more positive about the world.”

Catch Duffy Bishop performing only on the Blues Fest Kickoff Cruise on Wednesday, July 3!