Southern Avenue: Our Story

Since their explosive debut on Stax Records in 2017, Southern Avenue has been a beacon of energy, captivating audiences worldwide with their high-octane performances and infectious sound. The band, deeply rooted in the blues and the rich musical traditions of Memphis, has garnered critical acclaim, including a coveted GRAMMY® Award nomination in 2020 for "Best Contemporary Blues Album" and multiple honors at the Blues Music Awards.

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The story of Southern Avenue is one of serendipity and destiny, beginning with Israeli guitarist Ori Naftaly’s journey to Memphis in search of authentic blues. There, he encountered the powerhouse vocalist Tierinii Jackson, and together with her sister, drummer Tikyra Jackson, and keyboardist Jeremy Powell, they formed a band that would soon take the music world by storm. In 2021, the ensemble reached its full potential with the addition of Ava Jackson, Tierinii and Tikyra’s sister, a classically trained violinist who had previously contributed her vocals to the band’s recordings.

Southern Avenue’s music is a seamless blend of blues, soul, and gospel, with a sound that is distinctly their own. Their deeply moving harmonies, coupled with the raw power of their performances, create a connection with audiences that transcends mere entertainment. They have graced the stages of major festivals such as ACL Fest, Electric Forest, Byron Bay, and Bonnaroo, and have shared tours with legends like Sheryl Crow, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Jason Mraz. This fall, they will join the prestigious Outlaw Music Festival Tour alongside Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp.

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Their new album not only cements Southern Avenue's place in contemporary music but also honors the legacy of Memphis's storied past, all while paving the way for the future. As they continue to evolve, Southern Avenue remains a band that is as much about family as it is about music, embodying the spirit of Memphis with every note.
 

Southern Avenue, the high-energy powerhouse from the legendary musical city of Memphis, Tennessee, has been igniting stages worldwide since their explosive Stax Records debut in 2017. Celebrated for their infectious energy and soulful sound, the band has captivated audiences worldwide with their mesmerizing performances. Their journey, anchored in the blues, family ties, and a collective passion for songwriting, reflects the very soul Memphis music. Southern Avenue continues to solidify their status as trailblazers in Contemporary Blues, Roots, and Soul music with their latest album to be released on Alligator Records. The first single, “Found a Friend in You,” is available now.

Their explosive growth in the music world is evidenced by a coveted GRAMMY® Award nomination in 2020 for "Best Contemporary Blues Album" and multiple honors at the Blues Music Awards, where they were nominated for multiple “Band of the year” awards.

Southern Avenue's journey begins with Ori Naftaly, an Israeli guitarist whose passion for blues and soul music led him to Memphis, sparking a transformative chapter in the city’s storied musical landscape. While touring the country with his solo band, Naftaly's pursuit of authentic blues brought him to the powerhouse vocalist Tierinii Jackson. Through her, he met her sister Tikyra Jackson, the band's drummer, and forged a connection with keyboardist Jeremy Powell. This initial lineup marked the beginning of the band’s evolution. In 2021, Southern Avenue's true destiny was realized when Ava Jackson, a recent Belmont graduate with a degree in Classical Violin, joined the band full-time after initially contributing her vocals to their recordings. This diverse and dynamic ensemble has created a rich, family-like bond, with songwriting at the core of their creative unity and musical expression.

”Playing our music around the world, sharing our story through our own artistic expression is something that every artist dreams of...and there is no greater feeling as a family than making your dreams come true together,” says Tierinii. “Blues is our inheritance, we are blessed and honored to uphold the tradition.”

Drawing inspiration from their Memphis roots, Southern Avenue seamlessly fuses blues, soul, and gospel influences into a distinctive sound that pays homage to their musical heritage. Their music, characterized by positive messages, stirring harmonies, and Memphis soul muscle, builds connections and friendships reminiscent of The Staple Singers.

Their impact extends far beyond the music, having graced stages at renowned festivals around the globe, including ACL Fest, Electric Forest, Byron Bay, and Bonnaroo, leaving an indelible mark on audiences. Having toured with luminaries such as Sheryl Crow, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Jason Mraz, Southern Avenue is set to embark on the prestigious Outlaw Music Festival Tour in Fall 2024, joining Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp.

Additionally, the band has just finished recording their fourth LP and Alligator Records debut at Memphis’ legendary Royal Studio. Produced by Multi-GRAMMY® winner John Burk (Ray Charles, Melissa Etheridge, George Benson) and engineered by Multi-GRAMMY® winner Boo Mitchell (Bruno Mars, Cedric Burnside, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), Southern Avenue continues to solidify their status as trailblazers in Contemporary Blues, Roots, and Soul music.

Through their deeply moving harmonies and authentic family dynamic, Southern Avenue not only honors Memphis' storied musical legacy but also paves the way for its future, bringing friends together and creating a sense of belonging through their powerful, soul-infused music.