robert finley

Biography

Robert Finley, born February 13, 1954, in Bernice, Louisiana, is a celebrated American blues and soul singer-songwriter and guitarist. Raised in a deeply religious family of sharecroppers, Finley's earliest musical experiences centered around gospel music, which profoundly shaped his vocal and instrumental style. He bought his first guitar at age 11 and, despite his family's reservations about secular music, began teaching himself by watching gospel quartets and practicing on his own. By age 17, Finley joined the U.S. Army, where he became a guitarist and bandleader for the Army band, performing throughout Europe before returning home.

After his military service, Finley spent decades as a carpenter and street performer, leading the gospel group Brother Finley and the Gospel Sisters while playing blues and soul in local venues. His musical career was interrupted when he was declared legally blind in his 60s, forcing him to retire from carpentry. In 2015, the Music Maker Relief Foundation discovered him performing on the street, leading to his debut album, 'Age Don’t Mean a Thing,' at age 62. This late-blooming success attracted the attention of Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, resulting in a fruitful collaboration and a series of acclaimed albums, including 'Goin’ Platinum!' (2017), 'Sharecropper’s Son' (2021), and 'Black Bayou' (2023).

Finley’s music blends southern soul, blues, gospel, and rock, characterized by his gritty, emotive vocals and authentic storytelling rooted in his Louisiana upbringing. Despite losing his sight, Finley has become a globally recognized performer, earning critical acclaim, international tours, and appearances on national television. His life and music stand as a testament to perseverance and the enduring power of the blues.

Fun Facts

• Finley was discovered by the Music Maker Relief Foundation while busking in Arkansas at age 61.
• He made it to the semi-finals on NBC’s 'America’s Got Talent' in 2019, gaining national attention.
• Finley built his first makeshift instrument using screen door wire and nails on a tree before getting his first guitar.
• Despite being legally blind, Finley continues to tour internationally and perform live.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gospel quartet groups - Finley was inspired by local gospel quartets in his youth, closely observing their playing and vocal techniques. (N/A) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Dan Auerbach - Producer, songwriter, and frequent collaborator; Auerbach produced several of Finley's albums and helped relaunch his career. (Goin’ Platinum! (2017), Sharecropper’s Son (2021), Black Bayou (2023)) [2017–present]
• The Bo-Keys - Memphis-based soul band who played on Finley’s debut album. (Age Don’t Mean a Thing (2016)) [2016]
• Bruce Watson - Producer of Finley's debut album, emphasizing his soulful compositions. (Age Don’t Mean a Thing (2016)) [2016]
• Jimbo Mathus - Co-producer and musician on Finley's debut album. (Age Don’t Mean a Thing (2016)) [2016]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging blues and soul artists - Finley’s late-career resurgence and authentic storytelling have inspired a new generation of blues and soul musicians, though specific protégés are not widely documented. (N/A) [2016–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Souled Out On You (Sharecropper's Son)
2. Medicine Woman (Goin' Platinum!)
3. Country Boy (Sharecropper's Son)
4. Sharecropper’s Son (Sharecropper's Son)
5. Make Me Feel Alright (Sharecropper's Son)
6. Country Child (Sharecropper's Son)
7. Waste Of Time (Black Bayou)
8. Nobody Wants To Be Lonely (Black Bayou)
9. Starting To See (Sharecropper's Son)
10. You Got It (And I Need It) (Black Bayou)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia