Singer-songwriter Ben Killen is proud to announce the release of his debut single, “Singing River Blues”, available now on all major streaming platforms.
Listen on Bandcamp now:
https://benkillen.bandcamp.com/track/singing-river-blues-pre-release
This powerful new track marks a milestone in Killen’s career as a solo artist. “Singing River Blues” is a tribute to the legendary “Father of the Blues,” W.C. Handy, whose legacy resonates deeply within both Ben’s music and family roots.
The song evokes a solid connection to the history of the Blues and its birthplace – the rich, soulful sounds of Florence, Alabama, with its timeless blues riffs and lyrics that reflect on love, loss, and family. Inspired by a personal moment of longing and connection with his mother, the song’s opening lyric, “Operator, call me, Mother’s on the phone. Got to get my message out to her, that she’s not alone,” captures the depth and intimacy at the heart of the song.
The single release is accompanied by a stunning lyric video with rare archive imagery from the W.C. Handy Museum that shows the rich heritage of the region. The video immerses the viewer in the historical journey that really defines the Blues as a genre.
As the song’s writer and performer, Killen takes a lot of his inspiration from the great blues artists who have come before him- Muddy Waters, Son House, and Bill Withers, to name a few – and infuses his own sense of authenticity and hope into each note.
“I’ve always had a deep connection to the Blues and to W.C. Handy’s story,” says Killen. “The Blues is a language that speaks to struggle, resilience, and love. This song is my way of honoring that legacy and sharing a bit of my own journey through music. I hope it resonates with listeners the way the Blues has resonated with me.”
Ben Killen’s journey has already taken him across stages in New York, and his time performing with bands like The Grand Prospect and Proud Pair of Thieves has shaped a unique sound, bringing together country, Americana, and the raw power of the Blues.
“Singing River Blues” is just the beginning of his solo career, with more music to come that will continue to blend these diverse influences while staying true to the timeless spirit of the Blues.
In addition to the release of the song, Killen is launching a charitable initiative, pledging to donate 100% of the proceeds from the single’s sales and streams for the entire calendar year to support the Living Wage for Musicians Act of 2024, legislation currently before Congress that aims to secure fair compensation for musicians in the digital age.
Ben Killen is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Florence, Alabama, a region rich with musical history.
With a background rooted in country, Americana, and the Blues, Ben’s music merges timeless traditions with a modern sensibility. His debut single, “Singing River Blues”, marks the start of his solo career and is a tribute to the enduring influence of W.C. Handy. Ben’s mission is to connect audiences with the soulful, authentic music that has shaped his life and career.
“Singing River Blues” is available now on all streaming platforms.