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, born on July 11, 1984, in Clinton, Mississippi, USA, is a talented American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His album Refuse To Lose was his first album released all over the country and the world. It came out on May 6, 2014, through Alligator Records, an independent blues record label.
Music magazines have praised Jarekus. Blues & Rhythm magazine from England 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. The Washington Post described him as an "exciting new young blues guitarist" with strong, original songs. USA Today also noted his "stinging blues guitar and potent, original songs."
Contents
Jarekus's Early Life and Music Journey
Jarekus Singleton started playing music at a young age. 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 started focusing on his guitar skills and singing. He first heard blues music when he was 15 years old. Some of his biggest inspirations include 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 such as Brad Paisley.
From Basketball to Blues
During his teenage years, Jarekus also became very good at basketball. He even 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 completely on music.
He first wrote and performed his own lyrics as a rapper. Soon, he began to mix his blues music with his original songs. This unique blend helped him create his own special 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 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.
Awards and Recognition
Jarekus has won several awards for his music.
- He won Guitar Center's "King Of The Blues" contest for the state of Mississippi.
- In 2012, he received the Jackson Music Award for Blues Artist of the Year.
- In 2013, he won the award for Local Entertainer of the Year.
- The Jackson Free Press named him the Best Local Blues Artist in 2013.
Joining Alligator Records
Jarekus competed in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) several times. This is an annual contest held by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee. He competed in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
At the 2013 IBC, Bruce Iglauer, the president of Alligator Records, noticed him. Jarekus signed with Alligator Records in late 2013. In October 2013 and January 2014, Jarekus and his band recorded music for Alligator at PM Music in Memphis. Bruce Iglauer and Jarekus worked together to produce the music.
Performances and Festivals
Jarekus Singleton has performed at many music events. He played at the Mississippi Stage at the Chicago Blues Festival in 2012 and 2013. He also appeared at South Carolina's Lowcountry Blues Festival and Festival of Discovery in 2011. He has played at many other festivals and clubs across the South and throughout Mississippi.
In January 2014, Jarekus signed with Blue Mountain Artists, a booking agency. He performed at the Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in April 2014. He has also played at many other blues festivals, including The North Atlantic Blues Festival, Cincinnati Blues Festival, The PA Blues Festival, Flood City Music Festival, The Heritage Blues Festival, The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, The Blues at the Beach Festival, and the Mighty Mississippi Blues Festival.
Jarekus's Music Albums
Here are the albums Jarekus Singleton has released:
- 2011: Heartfelt (Reakdogmusic, LLC)
- 2013: Refuse To Lose (Alligator)
- 2016: Live at Jazzfest 2016 (Munck Music)
- 2018: The Bridge, Part 1 (Reakdogmusic, LLC)
Current Band Members
- Jarekus Singleton – Guitar, Vocals
- Sam Brady – Organ, Keyboards
- Ben Sterling – Bass Guitar
- John Blackmon – Drums, Percussion
