Rob Blackledge could have just as easily been a major league baseball player instead of modern music's next big star.
Born and raised just outside of Jackson, Miss., Blackledge began playing baseball "as soon as I could walk," he says. But music was also present. "I was raised in the Baptist church, and like a lot of kids from the South, that was my first experience with music."
In tenth grade he and a band performed for a group of students at a school ministry program. "It was the beginning of an era," he says with a laugh. By his senior year his transformation from ball player to musician was complete. "The desire to play baseball completely vanished," he says.
Despite attention from colleges and major league scouts, Blackledge made his way to Nashville's Belmont University, a school well known for its music business program. "I wanted to leave Mississippi and try something different," he says.
Three months into his freshman year, Blackledge entered a school talent competition. The resulting win - and the applause he received from those in attendance - helped him realize he'd made the right decision.
I walked out on stage, sat down on a stool, played a song, and people went crazy," he says. "That was the first real affirmation that I'd ever really gotten."
Soon after, Dave Barnes, an accomplished independent artist who had built a successful touring business, invited Blackledge to join him on the road. "I had no earthly idea what I was getting into," Blackledge says now.
Success came quickly. "I did 100 shows in 2006," Blackledge says. "Most of it was driving around the country in my Pathfinder with a keyboard and a guitar and a bag. It was grassroots."
Blackledge wrote or co-wrote every song on his debut album, which was produced by Jeff Coplan (The Moffats, Love And Theft). "It's always been and always will be my goal to write the best music that I can possibly write," Blackledge says in terms that would make James Taylor proud.
His music fits the mold of intelligently crafted pop songs along the lines of Taylor and Guster, but he breaks out of the box with his driving melodies, charismatic vocals, and refreshingly jazz-influenced tunes.
Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Anthony Hamilton, Ben Folds and Stevie Wonder are among Blackledge's diverse influences. Hip-hop, R&B and blues also season the music of the man that grew up under the influence of the Mississippi Delta.
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Rob hit Birmingham back in October on tour and while he was there he was invited to be a part of the Workplay Theatre Weekly Podcast. Take a couple minutes, click over and listen to the interview and an acoustic in studio version of "Worth Taking."
(Sidenote...the first couple of minutes of the podcast feature a couple other artists, skip to about 10 minutes in and you will start to hear Rob's nice little voice.)
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Rob, I am trying to see your Georgia State University concert but I just realized they are only letting students in. I am not a student, is there anything you can do for me?
Can't wait for the show in the ATL. I am more excited now than I was three years ago in Chicago when your show was canceled. My brother saw you play in Lawrenceville about 3 and a half years ago and said I had to see you play. Now is my chance....Can't wait!!!
So apparently we're already friends. Awesome show tonight, man, I really enjoyed it. I was humbled by your guitar and piano skills and your vocals as well--you sounded great! Keep it up, man! I'm gonna' give your CDs a listen and I'll let you know what I think (after hearing some of your songs live I know I already like some!). If you get a chance, check out my tunes--they're just demos, but they're not half bad, I think. I would love to hear your thoughts (i.e. "I like... because..." or "Dude, you're just not that good, give it up now before you're homeless). Maybe next time you're in town we can write a tune together. Or maybe sometime this summer since I live in RI. Nice guitar. Go Sox!
Thank you so much for the add. It’s nice to meet you. I hope you’ll come by to listen to my songs. “Hold My Hand” is my newest. “Loving You All Over Again” recorded by a new up-coming country artist Todd Berry and will be on his debut CD… being released in March. I’m so Excited!!! Here’s Todd’s link if you would like to add him and listen to his music and watch his videos, you’ll be glad you did, he’s AWESOME! www.myspace.com/berryboy2007
Thanks very much for the add. I hope you enjoy my music. Been working hard on my new CD. “Better Days to Cry” to be released in March 2010 being produced by my label Spotlight Records. Remember to KEEP OUR TROOPS IN YOUR PRAYERS …. Thanks & God Bless
For all Rob's fans, his song, "Sweet Sweet Lady" is now spinnin' on the latest music & variety podcast known as Ed's Mixed Bag. The episode (#226) is entitled, "Play It For The Kids" and can be found at either the Mevio website or the Libsyn page. Complete links to all the tunes played are in the shownotes.
Love the whole CD and thanks, Rob, for allowing my choice of tracks to be played.
From Lake Worth, Florida, this is Ed Ovett saying bye for now!
Hey i go to Mary Washington and was at ur open mic show. I loved your style and songs, and the James Taylor songs... Thanks for coming out n playing for us, it was great!
yo, coming to Nashville @ Exit/In Saturday w/ Lovedrug. you should try and make it if you're free! also, did you get our new CD? it's on iTunes super cheap. would love to hear what you think of it josh
Happy New Year!!! 2010 is going to be the best year yet!!! Check out my newest single Whipping Post on Texas and International radio NOW!!! The downloadable CD is available for a short time for only $5.99 at www.cdbaby.com/hickman2 Or you can order a autographed copy at my official store on MySpace. Love, ~Susan Hickman www.susanhickman.com www.reverbnation.com/susanhickman www.twitter.com/susanhickman
