Jarekus Singleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jarekus Singleton
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At the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jarekus Singleton |
| Born | July 11, 1984 Clinton, Mississippi, United States |
| Genres | Blues, R&B, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Labels | Alligator Records |
Jarekus Singleton was born on July 11, 1984, in Clinton, Mississippi, USA. He is an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His first album, Refuse To Lose, became famous across the country and around the world.
This album was released on May 6, 2014, by Alligator Records, an independent blues company. Critics loved his music. Blues & Rhythm magazine called him a "great, new blues talent" with "superb, blistering guitar." Living Blues magazine said he mixes modern blues with soulful singing and cool guitar playing. The Washington Post praised his "strong, original voice" and "modern, personal" lyrics. USA Today even called him a "major new talent."
Contents
Life and Music Journey
Jarekus started playing music very young. When he was nine, he played bass guitar at his grandfather's church. His uncle taught him a lot about music. Other family members also sang and played gospel music.
Later, Jarekus switched to playing the guitar. He also focused on his singing. He first heard blues music when he was 15 years old. Some of his biggest heroes are famous blues guitarists like B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He also enjoyed listening to rap artists like Jay-Z and Twista, and country artists like Brad Paisley.
From Basketball to Blues
During his teenage years, Jarekus was also a talented basketball player. He became a top college player for the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. However, an ankle injury stopped his basketball career. This led him to focus on music full-time.
He first wrote and performed his own rap songs. Soon, he started mixing his blues music with his original lyrics. This created his unique sound.
The Jarekus Singleton Blues Band
In 2009, Jarekus formed The Jarekus Singleton Blues Band. The band members were musicians he had played with in church. In 2011, Jarekus released his first album, Heartfelt, on his own. He sold it at his live shows and online.
Three songs from Heartfelt were played regularly on B. B. King's Bluesville channel on SiriusXM Radio. Jarekus also won a big guitar contest called "King Of The Blues" for the state of Mississippi. He received the Jackson Music Award for Blues Artist of the Year in 2012. In 2013, he won the award for Local Entertainer of the Year. The Jackson Free Press also named him the Best Local Blues Artist in 2013.
Big Breaks and New Music
Jarekus competed in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) several times. This is a yearly music contest held in Memphis, Tennessee. At the 2013 IBC, the president of Alligator Records, Bruce Iglauer, saw him perform. Jarekus signed a record deal with Alligator Records in late 2013.
He and his band recorded music for Alligator in Memphis in late 2013 and early 2014. Bruce Iglauer and Jarekus worked together to produce the album.
Jarekus has played at many music festivals. These include the Mississippi Stage at the Chicago Blues Festival in 2012 and 2013. He also performed at the Lowcountry Blues Festival and Festival of Discovery in South Carolina. In 2014, he played at the Springing the Blues Festival in Florida. He has performed at many other blues festivals across the country.
Discography
- 2011: Heartfelt (Reakdogmusic, LLC)
- 2013: Refuse To Lose (Alligator)
- 2016: Live at Jazzfest 2016 (Munck Music)
- 2018: The Bridge, Part 1 (Reakdogmusic, LLC)
Honors and Awards
- Selected as the 2013 Best Local Blues Artist by Jackson Free Press.
- 2013 Jackson Music Award for Local Entertainer of the Year.
- 2012 Jackson Music Award for Blues Artist of the Year.
Current Band Members
- Jarekus Singleton – Guitar, Vocals
- Sam Brady – Organ, Keyboards
- Ben Sterling – Bass Guitar
- John Blackmon – Drums, Percussion
