Up & Coming New Nashville- The Black Lillies

Born in the rumbling cab of a stone truck and aged in the oak of Tennessee's smoky night haunts, The Black Lillies have come to the forefront of the Americana scene in little more than a year. Founded by multi instrumentalist and vocalist Cruz Contreras, co-founder of Robinella and the CCstringband, and singer-guitarist Leah Gardner (Maid Rite String Band), The Black Lillies have created their own unique brand of country, roots, rock and blues via Appalachia. The group, formed in 2008, also includes bassist Taylor Coker, electric guitar and pedal steel whiz Tom Pryor (the everybodyfields), and drummer Jamie Cook (the everybodyfields). In April, The Black Lillies released Whiskey Angel, their debut recording. The album was recorded live in Cruz's living room by Sparklehorse drummer Scott Minor, and features Billy Contreras on fiddle. This summer, The Black Lillies received critical acclaim for their performances at the Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival, Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and on the live radio broadcasts of both Tennessee Shines and Music City Roots. The host of Tennessee Shines, legendary songwriter and musician Jim Lauderdale, called The Black Lillies "a true Americana supergroup." The Black Lillies have developed their own style of Americana music in true East Tennessee fashion


The Black Lillies will make their debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, June 17.  The band, which chose to use a fan-funded model to record their new album, 100 Miles of Wreckage, rather than signing to a label, will be the first independent artists from the Knoxville area to be featured on the Grand Ole Opry.  They join the ranks of local Opry alumni Dolly Parton, Roy Acuff and Kenny Chesney