Nashville, TN – Following the successful release of his latest album, Black Bayou, acclaimed musician Robert Finley is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on December 9, 2023. Known for his vibrant fusion of genres including southern soul, jazz, folk, blues, rock and roll, the Louisiana native has made waves in the music scene and beyond.
Finely’s album Black Bayou pays tribute to life in North Louisiana, where he was born and raised. It serves as a melodious tour guide guiding listeners through various tales unique to the region, such as the harrowing tale of an alligator hunt in “Alligator Bait,” and more lighthearted stories of love and lust in “Miss Kitty.”
The multi-talented musician’s range extends beyond the blues genre, with Flex Magazine celebrating him as “one of the last true bluesmen of our time.” Dan Auerbach, praise Finley, saying “he can play a blues song, he can play early rock and roll, he can play gospel. He can do anything, and a lot of that has to do with where he’s from.”
However, music isn’t Finley’s only accomplishment. Prior to losing his sight in his 60s due to glaucoma, Finley was a skilled carpenter. The diagnosis forced his retirement from carpentry and sparked his pursuit of a long-delayed music career. Despite numerous hardships including divorce, house fires, and a car accident, Finley credits his faith and resilience for his blossoming music career, claiming, “losing my sight gave me the perspective to see my true destiny.”
Even with the success of his music career, Finley remains rooted in his home region of North Louisiana. Often performing in small local clubs and occasionally nursing homes, Finley is dedicated to bolstering the local talent pool. He is currently in the process of setting up a local recording studio in Bernice to provide upcoming artists the exposure they need.
Finley’s music journey has led him to headline shows and tour with notable artists such as The Black Keys, Greta Van Fleet, and Nathaniel Rateliff. His Grand Ole Opry debut promises to be yet another major milestone in this artist’s incredible journey – giving the world a taste of North Louisiana’s vibrant music and culture.
