For many people, Blacky Bridges, with lead singer Bryon Ownby, will always be the little one who hid behind a very large piano during early childhood performances. That has all changed now as the piano hides in the background while exploring new dimensions of integrating various styles of music ranging from folk, indie, pop, blues… and a few things in between. 

Raised on bluegrass and gospel, while I led children and youth choirs before most people learn to read music, I spent years on the road, giving my voice to other people's stories. Now, for the first time, as Blacky Bridges, I tell my own story. Walking away from religion. Finding hope on the other side. The quiet ache of being single in a world that doesn't know what to do with loneliness. Songs that don't pretend everything is okay — because they were written by someone who knows it isn't. Bruised. Still breathing. Still watching the horizon for spring.

Roadblocks and obstackes, I have stumbled and failed may times to make the right turns and jumps to overcome those matters, and other times, I won!  I enjoy taking others with me on this musical journey, whether it’s by hearts, minds, souls, or on stage with me.  Music also sees the vulnerable, and at times frightened, brave soul inside of me, removing the fear of becoming myself in front of others. One cannot live a life of past regrets; life is too short to live miserably. Music serves as the very guide into the depths of our souls. One may learn much about a person by knowing some of their favorite songs or tunes as a means to connect with them and walk with them through their journey. That is what I want my music to reflect. 

 

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