SOUTHERN AVENUE
Southern Avenue, the Blues Music Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated Memphis-based family band, plays original Memphis blues, modern soul, and gospel-infused roots music that is uplifting and timeless. They are known worldwide for their inclusive, message-driven songs fueled by hard-hitting grooves and electrifying guitar. The band’s new album, Family, makes it clear that Southern Avenue creates musical storytelling magic. The band is unlike any other on the scene today, featuring lead vocalist/songwriter Tierinii Jackson, her husband, guitarist/songwriter Ori Naftaly, and her sisters, drummer/vocalist/songwriter Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson and percussionist/violinist/vocalist Ava Jackson. “Through our music,” says Naftaly, “we expand our family to include our fans and whomever is moved by our songs.”
The inspiring harmonies of the church-raised Jackson sisters are fueled by guitarist Naftaly, whose passion for blues and soul music led him to Memphis from his birthplace in Israel. Together, Southern Avenue blends the city’s musical traditions with their own thoroughly modern worldview. Their authentic and unfiltered original songs are a bold step in defining the future of Memphis music. They are among the most musically riveting and visually exciting live bands, and are among the few “must see” acts on the scene today. Jambase.com states, “Southern Avenue is jaw-dropping. They are not to be missed.”
On Family, Southern Avenue’s fourth album, and their first for Alligator Records, the band unleashes one memorable performance after another, all delivered with soul-healing power and fueled by warm sister harmonies, Naftaly’s deeply rooted guitar playing and T.K.’s forceful, propulsive drumming. From triumphant opener Long Is The Road to the emotionally resonant Found A Friend In You to the raucous Rum Boogie, the songs, with their seamless blend of roots, blues and soul grooves, are stirring and original. From the irresistible Upside to the fierce determination of Flying to the closing, ruminative We Are, Family unveils honest, universal truths about the unshakable power of togetherness.
Family was recorded in Memphis at the famous Royal Studios (Al Green, Ann Peebles, Bruno Mars). It was produced by GRAMMY winner John Burk (Ray Charles, George Benson, Melissa Etheridge) and recorded and mixed by multi-GRAMMY-winning producer and engineer Boo Mitchell (Snoop Dogg, Bobby Rush, Cedric Burnside). According to Naftaly, “Family is the story of how we found each other, held on through the highs and lows, and built something stronger than we ever imagined. It’s about the moments that test you, the people who lift you, and the belief that even through the hardest times, something beautiful is waiting on the other side.”
As frontwoman and songwriter Tierinii Jackson explains, the music is an unbreakable bond between the musicians themselves as well as with their growing legion of fans. “Our music is our expression of life. Our songs reflect our thoughts and feelings, baring our souls. Because we write and create this music together, it bonds us as a family in a way that transcends bloodlines. When our listeners connect with our music, they become a part of our healing journey, making them family too. The bonds we share with our listeners give us a reason to keep going, to share our unapologetic truths. Our fans provide us with the safe space to be vulnerable, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Raised in a tight-knit and religious family in Memphis, Tierinii, Tikyra and Ava sang and listened to nothing but gospel music growing up. Conversely, Naftaly grew up in Israel, listening to almost nothing but American soul, roots and blues, learning to play guitar and create his own version of the music he loved. In 2013 he headed to Memphis with his Israeli band to represent his country in the International Blues Challenge. According to Naftaly, his journey to Memphis wasn’t just a move, “it was destiny in the making.” After building a following and touring coast to coast with his band, Naftaly wanted to change direction. He was looking for someone to help bring his musical vision to life. When friends pointed him to Tierinii Jackson, the city’s premiere vocal powerhouse (who did not begin singing secular music until she was in her teens), he didn’t hesitate, saying, “The first time I saw her perform, I saw my entire future flash in front of me.” That future came into sharper focus when Tierinii’s sister Tikyra joined on drums, locking in the group’s unmistakable chemistry, and Southern Avenue was born. “We’ve been a family ever since,” Tierinii declares.
Southern Avenue is named after the famous street that runs through the center of Memphis, leading right past the original Stax Records. But it was still a surprise when they became the first Memphis band signed to the newly reformed Stax label, which released their self-titled debut album in 2017. Praise came fast from the media as the band’s fanbase swelled. In 2018 Southern Avenue received the coveted Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist. Their 2019 release, Keep On, received a GRAMMY nomination. Their third album, 2021’s Be The Love You Want (BMG/Renew Records), was produced by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) with a song co-written by Jason Mraz.
Constant touring has brought Southern Avenue to destinations across North America, Europe and Australia, and earned them non-stop adulation from fans, press and fellow musicians. They’ve been nominated for the Blues Music Award for Band Of The Year in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and have toured with The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sheryl Crow, Los Lobos, Galactic and The Revivalists, among many others. In 2024, the band performed across the country, including headlining the Chicago Blues Festival. They joined the Outlaw Music Festival tour for several weeks, performing alongside Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan. Dylan was so taken with their performance the notoriously camera-shy legend eagerly posed for photos with the band. Impressed by their sound, Nelson wore a Southern Avenue t-shirt onstage and invited them to sit in for his last three songs every night of the tour.
Now, the band is ready for the next chapter in their evolving story. Family is an emotion-packed collection of passionate, groove-heavy, guitar-driven, thought-provoking songs that will inspire repeated listening. For Southern Avenue, what started as a collaboration quickly turned into something deeper, as they forged a connection between themselves and then their fans, rooted in music, trust, and love. With a massive tour in the works, people across the country and around the world will have the opportunity to experience Southern Avenue live, and to become a part of their expanding, uplifting and exhilarating musical family.
Alligator Records, LLC
