“Music has opened my eyes to how deeply we’re all connected. It’s a universal language, a force that can break barriers and bring people together no matter where they’re from.”

Tierinii Jackson:

Southern Avenue’s Music of Memphis

Southern Avenue, the Blues Music Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated Memphis-based family band, plays original Memphis blues, modern soul, and gospel-infused roots music that is uplifting and timeless. Band’s new album “Family” to be released on April 25, is the Alligator Records debut of a wonderful, young band that has already won a huge and devoted fan base, toured much of the world, and shared stages with musical giants—Memphis’ own Southern Avenue. The band is made up of the three Jackson sisters—fireball lead vocalist Tierinii, in-the-pocket drummer and harmony singer Tikyra (T.K.) and the newest member, little sister Ava, who not only sings but plays violin and percussion. Their telepathic, incredibly soulful harmonies come straight out of the church where they were raised. (As children and teens, they were allowed to sing only gospel music). The magic first struck back in 2015, when Tierinii joined forces with Israel born-and-raised guitarist Ori Naftaly, whose love for American blues and R&B had brought him on a one-way pilgrimage to Memphis, the cradle of soul music. After leading his own band for a couple years, Ori and Tierinii met.      

(Southern Avenue: Tierinii Jackson, Tikyra Jackson, Ava Jackson and Ori Naftaly / Photo by Rory Doyle)

Not only have the members of Southern Avenue created a wonderfully fresh sound, rooted in tough blues and soul-wrenching gospel, but they’ve also written every song on the album, sometimes with friends like Luther Dickinson joining in. The whole album is inspired by the band’s close bonds, strengthened even further when Ori and Tierinii fell in love and married.Southern Avenue has cut three previous albums, but this is the first one that has captured the raw, unvarnished sound that the band has been reaching for. The songs range from infectious, gospel-styled shout-outs to subtle, beautifully melodic, straight-from-the-soul ballads to inspiring, energy-filled anthems. Alligator has already released three preview tracks—the gentle Found A Friend In You, the raucous tribute to Memphis night life Rum Boogie, and we’re just now releasing the joyful Upside, which will be our first radio focus track.

Interview by Michael Limnios             Special Thanks: Marc Lipkin (Alligator Records)

How has music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music has opened my eyes to how deeply we’re all connected. It’s a universal language, a force that can break barriers and bring people together no matter where they’re from. One of the most life-changing moments for me was in 2024 when we got to sing on stage with Willie Nelson for ten shows in a row. Standing next to a living legend, feeling the weight of that history, and realizing we were part of something so much bigger than ourselves—it was surreal. That experience made me appreciate not just where we are, but where we’re headed as artists.

How do you describe the band’s sound and music philosophy? What is the story behind the name Southern Avenue?

Our sound is deeply rooted in Memphis, but it’s also influenced by everything that shaped us—blues, soul, gospel, rock, and a little bit of funk. We want our music to feel alive, to be real, and to bring people together with positivity and energy. The name Southern Avenue comes from a real street in Memphis that stretches from the heart of the city all the way to Mississippi. To us, it represents where we come from and where we’re going—our journey, our roots, and our vision for the future.

”Blues is a genre that will never die—it keeps evolving, always being reinvented, but never losing its soul. That’s why people connect with it so deeply. Alligator Records has been a force in blues for so many years, staying true to the music while pushing it forward.” (Southern Avenue / Photo by Rory Doyle)

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Family”? What’s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

One of the most special things about Family is that we wrote it chronologically. It starts with Ori’s journey to Memphis and what led him to reach out to me in the first place. From there, it tells the story of how we met, what we’ve been through as a band, and how we built this thing from the ground up. The album reflects the struggles, the growth, and the love that shaped us. When our younger sister Ava joined full-time, it truly solidified us as a family—not just in name, but in every sense.

As for career highlights, honestly, it’s the little things. Spending time with the people I love, making music with people who care about it just as much as I do—that’s the real reward. The stages, the accolades, the tours… they’re amazing, but nothing beats that feeling of creating something real with people who share your passion.

Why do you think that Alligator Records’ legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

Blues is a genre that will never die—it keeps evolving, always being reinvented, but never losing its soul. That’s why people connect with it so deeply. Alligator Records has been a force in blues for so many years, staying true to the music while pushing it forward. They understand where we come from, what we’re trying to say, and how we want to grow. We’re happy they get what we do and that they want to be part of our legacy. That kind of support means everything.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

I miss the rawness. The imperfections, the grit, the fact that people weren’t chasing perfection, they were chasing feel. You listen to old records, and you hear the room, the air, the truth of the moment. My hope is that artists continue to be fearless and make music that moves people, not just algorithms. My fear? That the industry gets too obsessed with trends and loses sight of what really makes music special—its soul.

”One of the biggest lessons is that you have to stay true to yourself. Trends come and go, but authenticity is what lasts. Also, take care of your mental and physical health—touring, performing, and creating can take a toll if you don’t find balance.” (Photo: Tierinii Jackson of Southern Avenue)

What is the impact of music on socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music has always been a reflection of what’s happening in the world. It can start conversations, bring awareness, and be a source of healing. I want our music to make people feel seen, to remind them that they’re not alone. Whether it’s joy, pain, love, or resilience—we want people to feel empowered when they hear our songs.

What does it mean to be a female artist in a "Man’s World" as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

Being a woman in this industry means you have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, but it also means you have the power to break barriers. Women in music today are leading the way, proving that talent, vision, and leadership don’t have a gender. I see more and more women stepping into their power—producing, owning their own music, headlining festivals. We’re still pushing for true equality, but we’re making strides every day.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

One of the biggest lessons is that you have to stay true to yourself. Trends come and go, but authenticity is what lasts. Also, take care of your mental and physical health—touring, performing, and creating can take a toll if you don’t find balance. And finally, surround yourself with people who uplift you. Music is a team effort, and having the right people by your side makes all the difference.

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(Southern Avenue: Tierinii Jackson, Tikyra Jackson, Ava Jackson and Ori Naftaly / Photo by Rory Doyle)