Today, GRAMMY-nominated Memphis-based roots, blues, and soul band Southern Avenue unveil their new song, Found A Friend In You. The track is a heartfelt tribute to the bond that has transformed this group of talented individuals into a family, both on and off the stage. The song, with guest bassist Luther Dickinson of The North Mississippi Allstars, was premiered by Relix magazine on September 4, and is taken from Southern Avenue's forthcoming Alligator Records debut album, slated for release in early 2025. Found A Friend In You is now available at all major streaming and download services.
According to Relix, "Found A Friend In You dips into the band’s signature whisk of roots, blues and soul stylings, leaning into the spirit of Memphis [and] maintaining a timelessness and soul-laden delivery not unlike the Staple Singers….Inquisitive and uplifting.”
Southern Avenue is a dynamic ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world with their exhilarating performances and emotionally charged original music since their 2017 Stax Records debut. Now, Found A Friend In You captures Southern Avenue's story of unity and shared purpose, a journey that began when the band's members first came together in Memphis. What started as a collaboration quickly turned into something deeper, as they forged a connection rooted in music, trust, and love. The song reflects the highs, the struggles, and the unbreakable bond that has made Southern Avenue more than just a band.
According to guitarist and co-writer Ori Naftaly, "It's a song that celebrates the power of friendship, the joy of making music together, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of something greater. It's a reflection of the highs and lows, the challenges we've faced, and the unbreakable bond we've formed. The song is not just about friendship. It's an anthem of the connection that makes Southern Avenue more than just a band—it makes us a true family."
As frontwoman Tierinii Jackson, who co-wrote the song, explains, "This song is an anthem of our friendship and our shared experiences. It’s about the joy and the strength we’ve found in each other, and how that bond has made us who we are today. The gospel harmonies and the energy of the track reflect our roots and our journey together."
Found A Friend In You, along with the full album, 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 GRAMMY-winning producer and engineer Boo Mitchell.
Listen To Found A Friend In You here:
In conjunction with the song's release, Southern Avenue will go on a two-week journey with Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp as part of the 2024 "Outlaw Music Festival Tour." The tour, which begins today, will see Southern Avenue sharing their story and their music with audiences across the Midwest and Northeast.
OUTLAW TOUR:
September 6 – Somerset, WI– Somerset Amphitheater
September 7 – Tinley Park, IL– Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
September 8 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
September 11 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
September 12 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
September 14 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
September 15 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
September 17 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
September 20 - Gilford, NH - Bank NH Pavilion
FARM AID
September 21 - Saratoga Springs, NY - (with Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and others)
HEADLINING SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND CRUISES:
September 19, Portsmouth, NH - Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club
September 28 - Birmingham, AL - WORKPLAY
September 29 - Atlanta, GA - Tunes From The Tombs
October 18 - Nashville, TN - City Winery
October 26 - Ivins, UT - Southern Utah Blues Festival
January 26, 2025 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
February 14 - Port Of Miami, FL - Jam Cruise
April 25 - Miramar Beach, FL - Moon Crush Pink Moon Festival
Southern Avenue’s music is a vibrant blend of Memphis blues, warm sister harmonies, and uplifting messages that build connections reminiscent of The Staple Singers. Guitarist Ori Naftaly, whose passion for blues and soul music led him from Israel to Memphis, alongside the undeniable talents of the Memphis-born Jackson sisters—lead vocalist Tierinii Jackson, drummer/vocalist Tikyra "TK" Jackson, and percussionist/violinist/vocalist Ava Jackson—has crafted a sound that blends Memphis' historic spirit with a modern twist. With keyboardist and honorary family member Jeremy Powell, Southern Avenue's original songs are not just a nod to the past but also a bold step toward defining the future of Memphis music.
Southern Avenue have been turning heads since their 2017 self-titled debut album, for which they received the coveted Blues Music Award for “Best Emerging Artist.” Their 2019 release, Keep On, received a GRAMMY nomination. They've been nominated for the Blues Music Award for Band Of The Year in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Constant touring has brought Southern Avenue to destinations all across the U.S, Europe and Australia and earned them non-stop adulation from fans, press and fellow musicians. This summer, the band toured across the country including headlining one night of the Chicago Blues Festival, before returning overseas to reunite with their many international fans.
