Southern Avenue

“…a deeply soulful Memphis band that’s turning the scene on its head.” – Relix

Grammy-nominated Memphis-based roots, blues and soul band Southern Avenue are known for their positive, message-driven original songs. Their melting-pot mix of Memphis blues and soul is fueled by frontwoman Tierinii Jackson’s soaring, gospel-inflected vocals. Israel-born Ori Naftaly’s mesmerizing guitar work drives the ensemble.

Alligator Records founder and president Bruce Iglauer raves about them. “Southern Avenue carry forward the spirit of the glory days of Memphis soul music. They bring an exciting contemporary sensibility to the classic sound. Listening to the Jackson sisters sing together is simply soul-stirring. Their original material, sparked by Ori’s lyrical guitar, is exhilarating.”

In 2016 Southern Avenue became the first Memphis band in forty years to sign to the newly re-formed Stax Records. While deeply rooted in the blues, the up-and-coming band explores soul, gospel, rock and even pop forms. 

The band takes its name from a Memphis street that runs from the easternmost part of the city limits all the way to Soulsville (the original home of Stax Records). It’s a fitting moniker for this diverse four-piece. Two powerhouse sisters whose musical education came from the church (Tierinii and Tikyra Jackson). A jazz bassist (Daniel McKee), and an Israeli-born guitar virtuoso who grew up a student of the blues (Ori Naftaly).

When Southern Avenue reached the finals at the International Blues Challenge, the group knew they’d be labeled “a blues band.” And they love the blues – but Naftaly says Southern Avenue is much more. “The genre brings diversity,” he says. “It brings together everything that came from the church and everything that came from popular music. Its roots, are Americana, soul and blues. It’s Memphis music.”

Recommended for Fans of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Alabama Shakes, Vintage Trouble and Marcus King Band.

LEARN MORE: https://www.southernavenuemusic.com/