I love discovering a band that has been around for a while. It feels like hitting a jackpot of sorts. The internet is great for this type of discovery. I’ll jump on You Tube and search random descriptors until something looks like it has potential. I could list a dozen great bands I have found this way.

This is how I discovered Blackberry Smoke, a fantastic Southern Rock/Country band from Atlanta, Georgia. Back in early 2013, I immediately dove deep and enjoyed the one album and EP they had already released. My research also informed me that they had a new album on its way very soon. I was also very excited to find out that the band had a small club gig at Dante’s in Portland. So, on May 1, 2013, I witnessed what to this day is one of my favorite bands just four feet away from me. These are the moments when music is truly life changing.  

Fast forward to 2022, Blackberry Smoke has come a long way from being a band doing those small club gigs. They have toured with everyone from Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top Lynyrd Skynyrd to Tim McGraw, Gov’t Mule and many more. They now headline their own tours and host hugely popular annual holiday shows in Atlanta. 

Blackberry Smoke are the antithesis of current, brainless bro-country. This is Roots music with a Rock & Roll flare. You will hear Waylon & Willie mixed with the Rolling Stones basking in a humid Georgia day at the lake. This is real southern rock my friends! 

Band leader Charlie Starr (guitar, vocals) along with brothers Richard (bass, vocals) and Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals) and Brandon Still (keys) have spent the last 22 years on a slow but steady burn. Having released six full albums and various EPs, live concert releases and videos the band seems to improve with each step. 

One would be hard pressed to find a more capable and versatile live band. Blackberry Smoke are the real deal when it comes to combining Blues, Country, Southern flavor and Rock arena flair. Charlie Starr is an extremely talented songwriter, guitarist and performer. He leads the band through concerts that have the spiritual vibe of a worship service, the blue-collar passion and tales of America’s working class, the quest for freedom of a life well lived by those who know what livin’ means. 

Blackberry Smoke music is perfect for your next road trip, BBQ, day at the lake or night on the town. If you know, you know and if you didn’t, you do now. Go find everything you can on this band! Then contact your local concert hall or amphitheater and tell them to book Blackberry Smoke. We all need this in our lives. 

Blackberry Smoke Career Highlights

Whipperwill – The band’s third release is their first legit pro album, and it is a masterpiece of Country Rock. This album is when things really started to take off for the band.

Holding All the Roses – The follow up to Whipperwill is a more polished production, which at first felt sterile to me, but on repeated listens, I realized how strong the songs are and how legit this band really is. Over-production couldn’t dampen the talent in this group.

Homecoming Live – Recorded at the band’s annual holiday show at The Tabernacle in Atlanta this album (and the accompanying film) is the perfect showcase for Blackberry Smoke. The energy and performances are fantastic. It’s one of those rare live albums that makes you wish you had been in the audience. 

One could spend several hours viewing fantastic live clips, special performances and fun covers Blackberry Smoke have taken part in online. I encourage you to throw this band in to your life and thank me later!