Beginning in the early 2010s, folk music made an unexpected and triumphant return to the top of the charts for the first time in decades, thanks in large part to the Denver trio the Lumineers. This was not, as they say, your father’s folk music, but rather an exciting blend of folk and indie rock […]
May 5, 2023
The Lumineers
The Sensational Barnes Brothers
From international superstars like Al Green to local legends like Elizabeth King, Memphians have been ingeniously fusing soul music and gospel together for decades. Today, brothers Chris and Courtney Barnes are carrying on that legacy by paying homage to the past while still charting new territory. Before forming the Sensational Barnes Brothers, both siblings were […]
Ziggy Marley
While being born into reggae royalty certainly hasn’t been a hindrance to Ziggy Marley’s career, nobody would have blamed him if he had buckled under the immense pressure that comes with being the eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley. Thankfully, the polar opposite has proven true, as Marley has deftly filled the void left […]
Toadies
Best known as the creators of the 1995 grunge classic “Possum Kingdom,” Fort Worth’s Toadies became fan favorites with their powerful but melodic music. After the breakout success of their 1995 major label debut Rubberneck, the band embarked on a series of shows with the likes of Bush and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Unfortunately, […]
The Bar-Kays
During Memphis’ soul music heyday of the ‘60s and ‘70s, few artists were as consequential as the Bar-Kays, one of the world’s preeminent instrumental groups and an enduring example of strength in the face of tragedy. The Bar-Kays first formed in 1964 as a studio session group, backing major artists at Stax Records before striking […]
Pj Morton
Before becoming one of R&B and gospel’s most respected stars, Dove and Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and musician PJ Morton spent years honing his craft in the background, working alongside artists like Musiq Soulchild and India. Arie and serving as a longtime member of Maroon 5. A native of New Orleans, Morton has proudly carried the […]
Marcy Playground
Best known for their era-defining hit “Sex and Candy,” which spent a then-record 15 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, veteran alternative rockers Marcy Playground are currently celebrating a quarter-century as a band. In the years following their signature hit, Marcy Playground has released four additional albums, all of which are now […]
Low Cut Connie
With a fanbase that includes Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John, one could be forgiven for assuming that Philadelphia’s Low Cut Connie makes anodyne radio-friendly fare. But boy would you be wrong. In fact, pianist and songwriter Adam Weiner joyously embraces the sleaziest parts of rock’s past, creating music that is kindred in spirit […]
Earth, Wind, and Fire
Arguably the greatest funk band of all time, Earth, Wind, and Fire became one of the most successful and influential bands of their era without ever compromising their ambitious artistic vision. Conceived by bandleader and Memphis-native Maurice White, EWF ruled the charts during the 1970’s with their all-encompassing sound that incorporated elements of jazz, gospel, […]
