Southern Avenue

Southern Avenue

Southern Avenue

Memphis-based, GRAMMY®-nominated Southern Avenue inked their first record deal with legendary Stax Records in 2016. The first Memphis band signed to Stax in over 40 years, their self-titled debut was an immediate phenomenon, reaching #1 on iTunes’ “Top Blues Albums” chart before being honored with the 2018 Blues Music Award for “Best Emerging Artist Album.” 2019’s KEEP ON proved an even greater success, debuting among the top 5 on Billboard’s “Top Blues Albums” chart amidst worldwide critical acclaim, ultimately earning Southern Avenue their first GRAMMY® Award nomination, for “Best Contemporary Blues Album”.   

In addition to the early success that the band has had with their recordings, they have also found a home on the road. The band has performed in 15 countries on three continents and averages over 150 shows in a typical year, making the group one of the most sought-after live performance experiences.  Their high-energy shows have captivated audiences around the globe, making this eclectic group a must-see at venues and festivals alike. ​

“We’re definitely a melting pot of different experiences, different backgrounds and different cultures,” says lead guitarist, Ori Naftaly. “It's hard to put us in a box, Southern Avenue doesn’t sound like anybody else and that's something that I'm very proud of.”

Recently, Southern Avenue’s released their third full-length LP, Be The Love You Want (Renew Records/BMG). Produced by Multi-GRAMMY® winner Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Susan Tedeschi, Deer Tick), American Songwriter called it “A potent soul force!” and No Depression proclaimed it’s “one of the most listenable, and danceable, records of the year.”

Since this release, the band has continued its breakneck touring schedule with 2022 highlights including Bonnaroo, the Austin City Limits Festival, supporting Sheryl Crow in multiple cities and three separate tours in Europe.​

In November 2022, Southern Avenue released their latest single, a funky reinterpretation of the 1983 Genesis hit, “That’s All.” Their version gives a soulful spin to the classic track taking an already groovy pop-rock song, and translating it into an electrifying banger driven by luscious vocal harmonies and vintage organ and guitar tones. The song has made a positive impact across the globe, with heavy airplay on SiriusXM Radio, across Europe and being named one of SoulTracks.com’s “Best Soul Songs of 2022.” It is available worldwide via Color Red Music. 

More recently, the highly esteemed Blues Music Foundation nominated Southern Avenue for “Band of the Year” at the upcoming 2023 Blues Music Awards, held annually in Memphis. According to drummer and vocalist, Tikyra Jackson, “We’re honored just to be nominated, to be included with all of these other legendary artists. Playing music for amazing people around the world, that’s our award right there.”



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