When they recorded their debut album, the lineup of Kingfish included Grateful Dead rhythm guitarist Bob Weir. Weir was a member of the band from 1974 to 1976, and left the group shortly after the album's release. Kingfish includes "Lazy Lightnin'" and "Supplication", a jazzy song combination sung by Weir that quickly found its way into the Grateful Dead repertoire.
Besides Weir, Kingfish features original band members Matthew Kelly on guitar and harmonica, Dave Torbert on bass, Robbie Hoddinott on guitar, and Chris Herold on drums.