A Prescription for Pure Americana
The Root Doctors are more than a band—they’re a celebration of musical heritage. With a sound grounded in the storytelling of bluegrass, the soul of delta blues, and the sway of Appalachian folk, they’re equal parts front porch jam session and high-energy stage show. At the helm, Purcell channels his deep respect for roots music into every harmonica riff, every lyric, and every moment shared with his audience.
Known for his electrifying presence as a vocalist and harmonica virtuoso, Purcell leads The Root Doctors with a rare balance of passion and precision. This isn’t a one-man show, though—The Root Doctors are a true ensemble, where harmonica, guitar, dobro, fiddle, and upright bass weave together like an old quilt, warm and familiar but bursting with fresh colors.
Together, they conjure the spirit of Americana—not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing thing. Their shows are a communal experience, where barn-burning jams and haunting ballads flow into one another, leaving audiences moved, grooving, and craving more. The Root Doctors aren’t afraid to push boundaries, blending bluegrass and blues with a dash of zydeco spice, a hint of country swing, and the unshakable rhythm of gospel.
Kevin Purcell and The Root Doctors are here to remind us why roots music matters—because it speaks to who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. So come take your medicine, let the music heal, and find yourself in the deep rhythms of Americana reborn.
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SHARED THE STAGE WITH
Gregg Allman
Delbert McClinton
Marshall Tucker
REO Speedwagon
The Outlaws
BB King
Koko Taylor
Creedence Clearwater
Etta James
Lonnie Brooks
The Kinsey Report
The Nighthawks
The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Lonnie Mack
And Many More…
Robin Trower
Bo Didley
Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland
Willie Dixon
James Cotton
Magic Slim
Buddy Guy
ENTERTAINED AUDIENCES AT:
The Arcada Theater, Chicago IL
Eureka Springs Arkansas Bluesfest
Sin City Blues and Soul Revival, Las Vegas
Chicago Blues Fest
Summerfest, Milwaukee WI
RiverFest, LaCrosse WI
210 Live, Highwood, IL
Bluesfest Brownsville KY
Paramount Blues Fest, Grafton WI
King Biscuit Blues Fest, Helena Arkansas
On the Waterfront Fest, MI
And Many More…
What People Are Saying…
‘Sunshine’ Sonny Payne – KFFA Radio (King Biscuit Time) – longest running blues show in history
…take my word for it, I’ve heard harp players comin’ out of my ears…it was legit, this guy did his own thing..I’ve sat here year in and year out, and I’ve heard ‘em all…and it’s just amazing..
Daily Herald:
…very intense showman…been known to come down in the audience and sit on laps, dance from table to table, and dance across the bar…some of the best music this side of the Mississippi…
New City Magazine:
…with a mob-like audience stacked to the ceiling…Purcell dished out a fiery set that barely rose above the decibels of the screaming crowd….
Reggi Hopkins, Music Critic:
He bound from one end of the stage to the other with an energy that the crowd wildly fed from. It was a fast paced show through and through…I couldn’t help but praise his intense showmanship.
Inland Empire Arts and Entertainment Weekly:
…Purcell and company have proven that their style (of music) is a major force to watch for from a new generation of performers. The intense showmanship of this rockin’ blues band will give the right combination for a great evening of live music and fun…
Examiner.com:
Kevin Purcell has consistently reinvented the genre, creating a unique blend of traditional blues mixed with a generous measure of southern rock. You cannot stand still at a show; it’s not possible. Lead vocalist and harmonica player, Kevin Purcell is a consummate performer who thrives on engaging the audience in the music and the show.
95WIIL Rock:
Down to earth musicians with great attitudes and a rockin’ blues show …
US 99.5 (Americas Country Station) Midday DJ Bill Lloyd:
…they’re just a damn good band. I’ve seen people just stand and watch the band slack-jawed in some sort of attempt to glean some of the energy coming from the stage…
