With his debut solo single “Singing River Blues“, Ben Killen steps into the spotlight with a song that is both deeply personal and current.
The song takes the raw, heartfelt tradition of the blues together with the expansive storytelling of Americana. Here, Killen delivers something of an instant classic as it carries the weight of history while carving out its own unique space in today’s music landscape.
Singing River Blues is a song about loss, grief, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Inspired by a painful chapter in Killen’s life, the sudden passing of his father and grandmother in 2012, this song is more than a lament. It is more of a direct tribute, a meditation, and a testament to the healing power of music.
The lyrics are steeped in emotional depth, none more so than in the striking line: “Operator call me, Mother’s on the phone. Got to get my message out to her that she’s not alone.” This verse, written under a skylight in his East Harlem apartment, showing the struggle of processing grief while reaching out for connection.
Killen’s steel-string guitar work is intricate yet unpretentious, channeling the ghosts of past bluesmen while remaining firmly his own. There is an unmistakable reverence for the blues’ greats here, notably W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues,” whom Killen honors by subtly incorporating a motif from St. Louis Blues. This nod to Handy, a fellow Florence Alabama native, is a clever and touching tribute that adds another layer of historical depth to the song.
But Singing River Blues is also a song with purpose. Killen is using this release to advocate for something bigger than himself, with all proceeds from the first year going towards charity and supporting fair wages for musicians. In an industry where artists are too often undervalued, this initiative underscores Killen’s commitment not only to his craft but to the broader creative community.
The accompanying self-directed music video further elevates the song’s themes. Merging live performance footage with evocative, high-quality visuals, Killen creates a cinematic experience that is both intimate and grand in scope.
Watch the video here:
Killen’s presence in the video, as he sings directly to the camera, feels like an open invitation into his world, a direct bridge between artist and audience. It is layered with symbolism, from steamboats to sepia-toned imagery.
The process of creating the video was an ambitious one, with Killen taking on nearly every aspect of production, direction, and editing.
Overall, Singing River Blues marks an entrance much grander than a solo debut. It announces Ben Killen as an artist with a deep respect for tradition and a bold willingness to push forward.
And Killen is an essential voice in the blues and Americana landscape.
Keep up to date with Ben Killen on his Website.
