Lem sheppard

  Biography

Lem began his career in graduate school as a guitarist and vocalist in Paradise Lost and Regained a work created by Dr. Eva Jessey—the acclaimed choral director for George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Lem also appeared with Dr. Jessey in a CBS Special Segment and became a soloist in the Dr. Eva Jessey Choir before embarking on his solo career.
Drawing upon his academic experience and his background in contemporary music, Sheppard created a unique performance style and a vibrant brand of traditional music. He moves seamlessly from a wide range of traditional American music—spanning from early African American spirituals to the Harlem Renaissance, the Jazz Age and beyond. Lem intersperses folklore, storytelling, history, and song to create an engaging show for all ages.
Lem is a member of the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame, was a national finalist in the Telluride Acoustic Blues Challenge, a recipient of the Kansas Folklore Society’s Joan O’Bryant award, and has received the Meritorious Achievement Award from Pittsburg State University.
Lem was selected by a congressional committee to represent Kansas at the Kennedy Center on the Millennium Stage, he composed the soundtrack to the PBS documentary Black, White & Brown which was nominated for a regional Emmy. in 2024 Lemuel contributed to the sound track of I'm so Glad which won Best Documentary Feature at the Kansas City Film Festival. Lem performed in South Africa at the International Eisteddfod, and toured Brazil under the auspices of UNESCO and the US Embassy.