#blake rhea

Americana Highways Obituaries – November 2024 @kriskristofferson @jackjones @phillesh @quincyjones @nickgravenites @jamesdarren @blakerhea @sergiomendes @caterinavalente @billyeddwheeler @jdsouther @petesinfield @sheltalmy @royhaynes @paulkamanski @libbytitus @bobbyhicks @petewade @markmoffat @scottsimon @herbieflowers @titojackson @liampayne

Americana Highways Obituaries – November 2024 ObituariesKris Kristofferson @ 88 – a pioneering, award-winning figure in the outlaw country genre. Kris was the songwriter who wrote “Me & Bobby McGee” a hit for Janis Joplin (who Kris dated) & “Why Me Lord,” a Gospel-oriented concert favorite of Elvis Presley. He wrote other hits like “For the Good Times,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” & “Help Me…

Southern Avenue Bassist Blake Rhea Shot Dead in Memphis

- “We’ll carry his spirit forward, one note at a time,” band says

Veteran bassist Blake Rhea, who’d recently joined Southern Avenue, was shot and killed in Memphis early Nov. 6.

The Commerical Appeal first reported Rhea’s death, which followed a “verbal altercation” with a suspect who has been arrested.

The members of Southern Avenue were “devastated and in utter disbelief,” at the news, saying in a statement Rhea “brought a unique warmth and joy to our lives - both through his music and his unforgettable presence.

“His passion for music was unmatched, and his friendship was a gift to all who knew him,” the band said.

“That infectious smile of his, louder than any bassline, lit up every room and stage. Blake’s memory will be a blessing to all of us, and his contributions to Memphis music will live on as part of his lasting legacy. We’ll carry his spirit forward, one note at a time.”

Rhea had worked with School of Rock Germantown since its 2012 founding and impacted “countless students” during that time.

“He will be missed by so many,” the organization said in a statement. “Now is the time for us to come together as a community to mourn this tragic loss and to support one another in any way we can.”

Rhea spent this summer with Southern Avenue on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival and had previously worked with several Memphis musicians including bluesman John Németh, who eulogized the bassist as a “big-time talent (and) a big-time friend.”

“He had great ears, groove and stage presence … he went out in his prime,” Németh said.