My Story
Blacky Bridges is happy to be emerging back into the music scene again. In real life known as Bryon Ownby, his musical influences include those native to the region and those that have been discovered from afar and plays out into the music he performs. Songs written and performed are inspired by events from his own life and those around him. He uses many music genres to carry about his message. Those genres range from modern rock, pop, inspirational, bluegrass, blues, and beyond. Inspiration is driven by artist ranging from Maroon 5, Rob Thomas, Elton John, Sam Smith, Calum Scott, Pentatonic, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, Foreigner, Journey, Adele, Lady Gaga. He completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business with Berklee College of Music in Summer 2019. In spring of 2015, Bryon also earned Certificate in Worship Arts, a program sponsored by WorshipTraining.com and Trevecca Nazarene University. Other noteworthy educational experiences has been a Masters in Education from Tusculum University (2013) and Bachelor's in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University (1998). He has served in various roles ranging from pianist, bassist, guitarist, and vocalist with numerous praise teams in the East Tennessee area.
Blacky Bridges varied music experience as an instrumentalist, band leader, and sound engineer for various projects have been a key component to create the environment needed to reinforce the positive message his music provides. At the request of fans, he has converted many rock ballads and hits to piano solos to be utilized at various functions and events. A music set list may be customized for any occasion. In Bryon’s 30 years of experience, past performance venues have ranged from private parties of 20-30 guest to concert style performances of 2,000 in Southeastern US.
"Music has a reason and a purpose in all of our lives", says Blacky Bridges. For him, this voice is found flowing freely from the music he creates and this is the reason music plays a stronger role in his life today. Nearly 40 years later, during his own life’s journey, he has discovered various challenges and obstacles many folks still experience today ranging from failed careers, medical, economical, social, discrimination, and political situations. It was music that brought comfort to his trouble soul during trouble times over the past 3 years. But it was more than music, it was the message of hope and strength to move forward and face another day. That message of hope and strength came from a faith in a higher power that will see us through life’s toughest challenges. "Hope begins when we face our greatest fears", as noted by Blacky Bridges. It was 3 years ago when the option was to become real and to become the person living authentically as the Creator intended. It's been a challenging journey to become true to yourself, be real with those around you, and find communities of love and support that will truly embrace who you were designed to be. That's where hope begins.
Bookings and reservations are now being taken for late 2020 with required COVID precautions. Set list can be build for 30-120 minutes of performance time for whatever religious, private event, bar/venue as soloist. Fees are negotiable and remain competitive for artist in the current region. Feel free to jump over and join the mailing list for more updates coming soon.