[1] AllMusic noted that "Shannon's specialty is a blend of Southern-fried soul and blues, and his albums and live shows – always with a horn section – are an eclectic mix of danceable, grooving tunes and slow, soulful ballads".
[3] He was born in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and relocated with his family to nearby Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of eight.
Despite initial misgiving from his Pentecostal parents, Shannon developed an interest in the blues and played part-time with several local bands, while his daytime occupation was with a hardware firm.
He began a full-time musical career when he secured a spot in Shirley Brown's backing ensemble.
After being spotted leading his own band in Memphis' Beale Street clubs, he signed to Rounder Records subsidiary, Bullseye Blues, and released his debut solo effort, Break the Ice in 1994.