With the release of his highly awaited song “Tell ‘Em” early this year, Terry Blade cements his role as a torchbearer of modern blues and embodies the soul of classic performers like BB King, Muddy Waters, Odetta, and Nina Simone. This Chicago-based, award-winning singer-songwriter has spent the last few years establishing an illustrious reputation, merging emotional songwriting with raw, powerful performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Terry Blade is no stranger to honors. With over 170 awards and nominations since his 2020 debut, he has quickly emerged as a strong figure in the music industry. His varied artistry—spanning genres including blues, folk, R&B, and Americana—has earned him comparisons to great musicians such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Tracy Chapman, and Amos Lee. In 2023, Blade’s blues ballad “Won’t Be Around” won the American Songwriter Song Contest in the Blues category, a fitting acknowledgment of his ability to infuse fresh life into the genre. The accompanying music video swept multiple international accolades, including Best Cinematography at the California Music Video accolades and Best American Music Video at the New York International Film Awards. This single encapsulates Blade’s unique sound: intimate, strong, and rooted in authenticity.
“Tell ‘Em,” his new song, is a good illustration of Blade’s stripped-down approach –relying only on his appealing voice and the raw strums of an acoustic guitar. The simple arrangement enables listeners to focus on the song’s emotional core, where every note and phrase bears weight. The sluggish beat creates a feeling of quiet urgency, bringing listeners into the sad narrative Blade skillfully weaves.
The lyrics of the single are also quite indicative of Terry’s cause. “Tell ‘Em” opens with a poignant plea: Tell my sister to be strong / Remember, tell my sister to keep strong / cause I know the system done my sister wrong. Here, Blade focuses on the collective suffering and perseverance that has plagued all marginalized communities, notably in the US. The repeated lines buttress the need for togetherness and try to instill a sense of hope through this song, asking us to find our strength despite institutionalized injustices all around.
Blade’s voice is loaded with sadness and defiance and adequately embodies the challenges endured by many. This expands further with lines like “Tell my brother always watch your back / Cause I know the system won’t give my brother no slack.”. These lines put in plain sight the ongoing vigilance by people to navigate this inequitable environment, with systems specially designed to oppress minorities. The sparse guitar accompaniment reiterates the weight of these words. This produces a striking contrast and emphasizes the song’s emotional impact.
The chorus further serves as an assertion about the sacrifices made and efforts for liberation, with lines such as, “Tell my people that I will die for them / Just so they can be free of the system” emphasizing the idea. This line, spoken with a mix of fragility and resolve, defines the spirit of the blues: a genre created from suffering, resilience, and the fight for freedom. Blade’s unrelenting devotion to justice connects with all audiences that recognize the struggles he addresses in this song.
Terry Blade’s talent is strongly inspired by the traditions of greats like the blues, Nina Simone -with her very unique way of emoting-, The Muddy Waters – with their unfiltered rawness, and BB King – the minimalist genius- all of which we find echoes in Blade’s work. Yet, he brings his unique voice and touch to the table, blending these influences with contemporary topics and personal experiences as a Black LGBT artist.
“Tell ‘Em” is a terrific example of how to honor the past and establish a route forward. The song’s small production—one vocal, one guitar—feels ageless, a tribute to the storytelling roots of blues. Blade’s vocal style, both delicate and authoritative, delivers a depth of emotion that is unique in today’s music.
As 2025 begins, Terry Blade is ready for another groundbreaking year. Following a victorious 2024 loaded with awards, including many prizes at international film and music festivals, “Tell ‘Em” indicates a new phase in his career. The song not only demonstrates Blade’s unmatched talent but also reinforces his commitment to using music as a platform for truth-telling and empowerment.
Blade’s ability to connect with audiences through real, honest storytelling makes him special and worthy of this reputation. With “Tell ‘Em,” he invites us to join him in remembrance, reminding us of the power of music to heal, inspire, and drive change. “Tell ‘Em” is simply a call to action and a homage to the legacy of the blues.
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