2022 Deep Roots Summer Series – Gran Boiz @ Airport Grocery

The Gran Boiz are a dynamic roots trio based in the Mississippi Delta. Their blend of R&B, soul, and blues is a perfect combination for bringing people of all backgrounds together under the sweet strains of foot-stomping, hip-swaying music.

Fronted by brothers Marcus and Lewon Payne of Renova, MS, The Gran Boiz have been playing across the region for decades. They began their musical careers early by singing in their church choir, but, Marcus remarks humorously, they “eventually figured out a way to get out of the choir…and became musicians.” As they grew older, they were influenced by a wide variety of artists: from fellow Mississippians Sam Cooke and B.B. King to music greats like Ray Charles and James Brown, as well as pioneers of other genres such as rock legend Jimi Hendrix and rapper 2Pac. The brothers honed their instrumental abilities over the years as the backing band for blues artist Mississippi Slim who gave them the moniker Gran Boiz.