Official Artist Website

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"Inquisitive and uplifting...The band's signature whisk of roots, blues and soul stylings lean into the spirit of Memphis [and] maintain a timelessness and soul-laden delivery not unlike The Staple Singers" —Relix

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"Rootsy stripped-down Memphis soul...masterfully written songs [featuring] Tierinii Jackson's soaring vocals" —AllMusic

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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 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."
 

Southern Avenue is one of the defining forces in modern roots music, led by modern-day blues queen and master of Memphis soul Tierinii Jackson Naftaly. With a voice steeped in gospel, blues, and the rich musical traditions of Memphis, Jackson brings an extraordinary combination of power, soul, and commanding presence to the band’s sound and electrifying live performances. Alongside her, Ori Naftaly brings his own formidable legacy as a guitarist, songwriter, and architect of Southern Avenue’s sound, drawing from the deep roots of the blues while pushing the music toward fearless rock & roll and new territory. Together, Jackson and Naftaly create a sound that is unmistakably Southern Avenue—deeply rooted in Memphis, fiercely contemporary, and built to leave a lasting mark.

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Their 2025 Alligator Records debut album Family earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards and solidified Southern Avenue’s place at the forefront of contemporary American music. 

The album was praised for its deeply personal songwriting, genre-defying musicianship, and uplifting spirit, while earning airplay across Americana, Triple-A, blues, roots, jamband, and college radio formats worldwide. Family reached #1 on the Global Blues Radio Charts in the U.K., Top 5 in the U.S. and Canada, and Top 10 in France and Australia. NPR Music also featured the record on its “Best Albums of the Week” list and playlist.

Southern Avenue’s momentum continued with major industry recognition, including being named 2025 Band of the Year by Living Blues and receiving 2026 Blues Music Award nominations for Band of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Contemporary Blues Album.