Bio & Press
Currently based out of North Mississippi near Memphis, Tennessee, Brian Blake is a songwriter who has been active in the Memphis-area music scene for more than 25 years. With musical influences stemming from both Texas and Tennessee, Brian writes heartfelt and thought-provoking folk, Americana, and roots music.
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In 2021, Brian was named the Songwriter of the Year by the Memphis Songwriter's Association for his song “Move on J.D.”. The song, about a homeless World War II veteran, is set in Liberty, Texas where Brian’s family has ties dating back more than 175 years. “Move on J.D.” is featured on his debut album, Book of Life, which was produced by Walt Wilkins and Ron Flynt, and released November of 2022. Book of Life debuted at #2 on the Folk Alliance International DJ Chart (November 2022) and #18 on the EuroAmericana Chart (December 2022) and was released to national and international acclaim. It was featured on several year-end "best of" lists, including Editor's Pick for #3 album of 2022 on Americana Highways.
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Along with songwriting, which has been his top musical priority in recent years, Brian has performed around Memphis since the mid-1990s. He first picked up the guitar at the age of 13 and by 17, he was turning heads and playing the blues with players 20 to 30 years his senior on Memphis’ storied Beale Street. Over the years, he’s sang and played lead guitar and bass with a number of bands in the Memphis area.
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Brian and another Memphis-based songwriter, Tony Manard, organize a Townes Van Zandt tribute show each New Year’s Day. The show has featured a number of up and coming and talented artists in the Memphis songwriting community.
Quotes about Brian's Music
"Brian’s gift of storytelling is true and deep, with a wry, comfortable and literary bent. Book of Life is a sterling collection of songs..." — Walt Wilkins
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"Put this one on top of the heap for great songwriters writing in relative obscurity that you need to get to know..." — Melissa Clarke, Americana Highways on "Book of Life"
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"Brian Blake's songs feel like a favorite old pair of boots..." — Nancy Apple, 89.9 WEVL/Car Tunes
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"With Brian you don't quite see it coming as this mild-mannered guy busts into an authentic folk ballad that has everyone on the edge of their seats..." — Mark Parsell, President - Memphis Songwriters Association/South Main Sounds
Press
Book of Life Album Press
​Glide Magazine - Brian Blake Delivers Story-Telling Marvels On ‘Book of Life’
Rocking Magpie (UK) - A Once In a Lifetime Americana Debut
Americana UK - Reflective, emotional storytelling from Memphis troubadour
​Americana Highways - 'Book of Life' Review​
​Texas Homegrown Music - Podcast Interview with Maylee Thomas
Music that Needs Attention (Netherlands) - 'Book of Life' Review
Le Cre Du Coyote (France) - 'Book of Life' Review
Americana Highways - "New Year's Day" Video Premiere
Fervor Coulee (Alberta) - Favorite Roots Albums of 2022
Lonestar Time (Italy) - 'Book of Life' Album Review
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"Book of Life" Song Premiere - Americana Highways
https://americanahighways.org/2022/09/19/song-premiere-brian-blake-book-of-life/
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Verses for a Veteran - DeSoto Magazine
https://issuu.com/desotomagazine/docs/desoto-august-2021_issuu/66
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Brian Blake Named Memphis Songwriter of the Year - DeSoto Times-Tribune
http://www.desototimes.com/lifestyle/brian-blake-named-memphis-songwriter-of-the-year/
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Artist with Liberty ties named Songwriter of the Year - Blue Bonnet News
https://bluebonnetnews.com/2021/04/12/artist-with-ties-to-liberty-named-songwriter-of-the-year/
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Brian Blake finalist for Memphis Songwriter of the Year - DeSoto Times-Tribune
http://www.desototimes.com/news/brian-blake-a-finalist-for-memphis-songwriter-of-the-year/
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Honoring Townes Van Zandt - WREG News Channel 3