Photo via Tierinii Naftaly’s Official Facebook

Memphis stalwart Blake Rhea, known bassist in the soul/blues ensemble Southern Avenue, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 6. According to initial reports presented via Commerical Appeal, the resulting casualty derived from a verbal altercation inside a bar, which escalated to violence after migrating outside. 

“At 1:13 am, officers responded to a shooting at 322 S Cleveland. A male was located and pronounced deceased on the scene. The suspect was a White male who fled on foot. The victim and suspect were involved in a verbal altercation before the shooting. Call 901-528-CASH w/tips,” the Memphis police department posted on X/Twitter. 

Reportedly, the event occurred at ​​Louis Connelly’s Bar for Fun Times & Friendship. Police spoke with a security guard and eye-witnesses who alleged that Rhea, along with another male, began quarreling before stepping into the night. Edward Wurl, 51, has been charged with first-degree murder and held responsible for Rhea’s death. An already-convicted felon, the former was previously indicted for possession of a handgun.

Rhea was born in 1976. A longtime bassist, the artist began developing his affinity for his instrument in the 8th grade. Accordingly, his status as a musician came to fruition during his collegiate years, telling his alma mater newspaper in 2015, “I never imagined I would become a bass player.” 

He continued, “At MUS I was a basketball player. Then I took music class from John Hiltonsmith, and his energy was felt. Next thing I know I was doing a lot of little things, talent shows, nothing serious.”

Rhea would continue studying music at Rhodes College in his native Memphis, forming regional favorite hip-hop, rock, and jazz pathfinders, CYC, while earning a reputation as a seasoned studio and live performer in groups like American Fiction and Rabid Villian. During his tenure with Southern Avenue, Rhea joined Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Festival Tour, featuring greats like Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp–most recently participating in the 2024 Farm Aid presentation. 

Hours after Rhea’s passing, Southern Avenue frontwoman Tierinii Naftaly took to Facebook, sharing a tribute for her friend and collaborator:

Brotha Blake Rhea Jackson on Bass” This was not just an acknowledgment of your presence on stage, it was my moment for me to extend my endearment to you and throw a lil extra Jackson love on ya because well, we love you. @blakerhea you are a light that will never be forgotten. And I know I talked mad shit to you every day and you rolled with it like a champ! I’m sorry that my sense of humor can be so dry. What I meant to say was, I love having you around. Whether you’re loud and complaining or loud and joking, you were always smiling. You had the loudest smile I’ve ever known and That’s what I will miss the most about having you around. I won’t say RIP bcz that would require me to be nice to ya So, As you would say to me, ROCK N ROLL Blake Rhea

My heart is breaking for you and your family. But I got a good vivid visual of a few good laughs that we shared that will keep me lifted, as I keep you and your family lifted In prayer. Thank you for your contribution. Thank you for being so fun and great to work with and for just being one hell of a guy

Unbelievable.