Jarekus Singleton
| Jarekus Singleton | |
|---|---|
At the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jarekus Singleton |
| Born |
11 July 1984 Clinton, Mississippi, United States |
| Genres | Blues, R&B, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1993-present |
| Labels | Alligator Records |
| Website | www |
Jarekus Singleton (born July 11, 1984 in Clinton, Mississippi, United States) is an American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. Refuse To Lose was his first nationally and internationally distributed album. It was released on the Chicago-based independent blues record label Alligator Records on May 6, 2014.England's Blues & Rhythm called Singleton "a great, new blues talent…young, original, soulful and intense…superb, blistering guitar." According to Living Blues magazine, "Jarekus Singleton is making some serious blues noise...blending modern-day blues and emotionally intense soul with melodic, hot-toned lead guitar, funk-seasoned rhythms and hip-hop flavored lyrics."The Washington Post said, "Jarekus Singleton is an exciting new young blues guitarist with melody, hooks, swagger and a strong, original voice. His lyrics are modern, personal, acutely poetic and deeply mature."USA Today said of Singleton, "Stinging blues guitar and potent, original songs herald the emergence of a major new talent."
Singleton played bass guitar at age nine at his grandfather's church. He was tutored in music by his uncle. Other family members also played and sang gospel music. Singleton switched to guitar and began to concentrate on his playing and his singing. He first heard blues music at 15, and has named B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan among his biggest inspirations. He also listened to rap artists including Jay-Z and Twista and country artists including Brad Paisley. Also during this period, Singleton developed his basketball skills, later becoming a top-seeded college player for University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. An ankle injury derailed his basketball career and he began concentrating on music full-time. He performed original lyrics as a rapper, but soon began to combine his blues music with his original lyrics.
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