About the Black Opry

Swallow Hill Music is thrilled to welcome the Black Opry Revue. The Black Opry was created as a “home for Black artists, fans and industry professionals working in country, Americana, blues, and folk music” to honor the fact that “Country and roots music have been made and loved by Black people since their conception. For just as long, we have been overlooked and disregarded in the genre.” Black Opry is changing that.

“Black Opry is so powerful because it reflects not only this generation of artists, musicians, and songwriters, but also writers, critics, journalists, and fans who are interested in not just amplifying the work of Black country artists and other marginalized communities,” says Dr. Charles L. Hughes, historian and author of Country Soul, “but also in creating networks and building a sense of community to avoid dealing with racist institutions.” – Excerpt from Rolling Stone magazine

ARTIST LINEUP:

Ally Free

Ally Free is a singer/songwriter who honed his impressive talent playing at venues and bars/restaurants around their hometown of Huntsville, AL. They’ve also played festivals such as Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville and The Bigfoot Blues Festival in Tennessee, which was headlined by The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band along with many other talented artists/musicians.

Ally’s aspiration is that his music and lyrics will resonate with others as it has within his own life. With music being the universal language, Ally Free hopes his language of music will speak to all of the future #AllyCats out there. His soulful rock sound and lyrics have more than enough stories to tell. “Don’t be shy, come on in, the water’s fine.”

Learn more at https://allyfreemusic.com/shows

Jett Holden

Just one listen to the growl and rasp of Jett Holden’s remarkable voice is enough to know that he is a major talent. Based in Tennessee, Holden grew up in a musical family and has been making music and writing for years. His most recent offering, the Necromancer EP shows us the accomplished artist that Holden is — from the power of “Taxidermy,” which shows both his political astuteness and ability to craft an affecting song, to the more subtle storytelling of the title track, which showcases the beauty of his tone. Throughout, Holden demonstrates a unique lyricism both in the writing and in his vocal interpretation of his songs.

Learn more at https://linktr.ee/JettFueledMusic

Destinie Lynn

Destinie Lynn is a multi-talented singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. Destinie’s music works within the American roots tradition, or what she affectionately refers to as “porch music” taking influence from the Delta Blues, Indie, Folk, and Americana.

Destinie’s voice is a rich, mellifluous tapestry evoking the affecting sensibilities of blues, jazz, and folk singers past, while her lyricism has been described as nuanced and literary-minded. Destinie writes soulful, often haunting songs that dive fearlessly into love, loss, and mortality; songs that highlight the daily struggles of the soul, all of which are featured on her recently released EP Little Ghost.

Learn more at https://www.destinielynn.com/

Ben Jordan

Ben’s songs range from intimate ballad to high energy foot stomper and everywhere in between. His solo shows are part comedy, part travelogue and always a hairs breadth from careening off the road. His rapport with the audience is a rare and often hilarious thing to see. Never one to shy away from a road story or a joke before breaking your heart or making you want to get up and dance.

Learn more at https://benjordan10.bandcamp.com/