Blacky Bridges is happy to be emerging back into the music scene again. In real life, known as Bryon Ownby, musical influences include those native to the region and those that have been discovered from afar and are evident in the music performed. Songs written and performed are inspired by real-life events, taking one on a journey of emotional depths of loss, longing, and isolation to be uplifted and resilient to move forward. Various music genres include modern rock, folk, pop, inspirational, bluegrass, blues, and beyond. Inspiration is driven by artist ranging from Hozier, Elton John, Sam Smith, to Adele to name a few.  

My purpose and reason for performing music is that I love to see the joy and smiles on people’s faces. Using poetic lyrics in ballads and anthems, they speak to the challenges that others go through as a reminder to remain positive and hopeful. As I sing and play music, I see myself on top of the world, like an emotional high, where nothing can stop me or bring me down. Then there are those melancholy moments of life we are afraid to talk about. Music is an expression of who I am as an individual and to give light to others that they may overcome many of life’s obstacles or challenges to realize that better days are ahead. 

Past performances include various school and community choirs, family bands, music teams, and theatrical performances while living in the East Tennessee region (Sevierville). Now, happy to call Asheville, North Carolina, home since 2023! We hope the music shared encourages and inspires the hearts and spirits of those oppressed to face another day. Most recent collaborations have been subbing as keyboard player for Rick Hornyak & The Highway Companions and vocally with other Asheville Chorale group performances.  

Bryon completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business with Berklee College of Music in Summer 2019. In spring of 2015, a Certificate in Worship Arts was completed through Trevecca Nazarene University. Other noteworthy educational experiences have been a Masters in Education from Tusculum University (2013), Certificate in Project Management (2012), and Bachelor's in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University (1998). Other music roles range from pianist, bassist, guitarist, and vocalist with numerous music teams in the East Tennessee area before residing in Asheville, North Carolina.