The story so far
Formed in South London in 2016, Jimmy Regal and The Royals are a powerhouse trio bringing a fresh and diverse take on traditional blues. The band comprises Joff Watkins on vocals, harmonica and guitar, CJ Williams on guitar, and Sammy Samuels on drums. United by their passion for the deep-rooted sounds of New Orleans and Mississippi, the trio also draws inspiration from the vibrant musical landscapes of Senegal, Canvey Island and their South London home.
Their First and Last Stop, took the blues scene by storm and dominated UK and international blues charts. With a sound that spans continents and a live show that leaves a lasting impression, Jimmy Regal and The Royals are taking the true spirit of blues to a new generation.
This acclaim culminated in a top five nomination for the Best Blues album at the UK Blues Awards. The band has shared the stage with legendary acts such as GRAMMY Award winner Cedric Burnside, The BB King Band and Billboard chart-toppers GA-20. Their dynamic performances have captivated audiences at major festivals and venues across the UK. In 2026, they played the Kafou Music Festival in Dakar, Senegal, as a guest of griot musician and kora player Diabel Cissokho.
Live show reel
Jimmy Regal and the Royals are available for bookings internationally. For more details contact us at: info@jimmyregalandtheroyals.com
What the Press are Saying
“Jimmy Regal and the Royals is one hell of a blues band and First and Last Stop is one hell of a blues album.” Steve Harrison, Blues Matters.
“Williams is an inventive guitarist and his duetting with Watkins is something quite joyful.” RnR Magazine.
“It’s not hard to hear why this outfit is carving a reputation on the live circuit.” Hi Fi News.
**** Mojo Magazine.
“Robust music in the hands of masters” Blues Blast Magazine.
“Feels like a walk down the Crescent City’s Bourbon Street” Classic Rock Magazine.
Chart Placements
First and Last Stop (Lunaria Records)
# 1 IBBA (U.K.) 2023
# 1 Roots Music Report (International) 2023 (3 weeks)
# 8 RMR Contemporary Blues (USA) 2023
Ain't Done Yet (Lunaria Records)
#1 Amazon Blues Charts (U.K) 2021
#3 IBBA (U.K.) 2021
Late Night Chicken (Lunaria Records)
#2 IBBA (U.K.) 2020
Jimmy Regal and the Royals (Independent)
#19 IBBA (U.K.) 2018
Clubs and Festivals
A small selection out of 100's of shows performed live:
Cedric Burnside (Grammy winning blues artist)
B.B.King Band (the legends touring band featuring Claudette King)
GA 2020 (U.S. Billboard #1 artists)
Red Rooster Festival
100 Club (Full band + Acoustic Blues)
Leeds Blues Festival
HRH Blues Festival
Upton Blues Festival
Ain't Nothin' But The Blues
Great British Rock and Blues Festival
Ealing Blues Festival
Broadcast Media
On rotation at radio stations in the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia, some highlights include:
Featured musicians with acoustic performance on Radio 4's Loose Ends with our special guest, international Senegal sensation Diabel Cissokho on kora.
Multiple plays on BBC2 Blues Hour with Cerys Matthews.
Studio guests on Well Suspect Radio with Richard Searle (Dr. and the Medics).
Jazz FM The Big Easy with Lil' Koko "taking the U.K. blues scene by storm"
IBBA Blues Radio DJ album pick for the month (First and Last Stop).
