southern avenue
Band Members
Tierinii Jackson
Ori Naftaly
Southern Avenue is one of the defining forces in modern roots music, led by powerhouse vocalist and Memphis soul singer Tierinii Jackson Naftaly and guitarist, songwriter, and band architect Ori Naftaly. Rooted in gospel, blues, soul, and rock & roll, the Memphis-based band delivers an electrifying sound that is both deeply traditional and fiercely contemporary.
Their 2025 Alligator Records debut, Family, earned a 2026 GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album, was named among NPR Music’s “Best Albums of the Week,” and reached #1 on the Global Blues Radio Charts. Southern Avenue was also named 2025 Band of the Year by Living Blues and received three 2026 Blues Music Award nominations.
Known for explosive live performances and emotional authenticity, Southern Avenue has shared stages with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews Band, and Trombone Shorty, while appearing at major festivals including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, AmericanaFest, and XPoNential Music Festival. Their music is unmistakably Memphis—soulful, powerful, and built for the stage.
