Jackie Bernard: The Soulful Voice of Modern Blues-Rock

Jackie Bernard is a dynamic blues-rock singer and guitarist from Chicago, Illinois, known for her raw vocal power and electrifying stage presence. Her major-label debut album, 2018's "Midnight Highway," cracked the Billboard 200 and propelled her from the club circuit to international festival stages.

Early career

Born in 1990, Jackie Bernard grew up immersed in the rich musical heritage of Chicago's South Side. She began playing guitar at age 14, citing local blues legends and classic rock radio as her primary teachers, and started performing at open mic nights while still in high school.

Her independent EP, "South Side Stories," was self-released in 2014 and gained immediate traction on local college radio. This early buzz led to a development deal with indie label Delta Roots Records, which released her first full-length album, "Grit & Grace," in 2016.

Breakthrough

Jackie Bernard's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of "Midnight Highway" on Riverside Records. The album's lead single received heavy rotation on rock radio and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, eventually earning a gold certification for over 500,000 units sold.

The success of "Midnight Highway" led to major touring opportunities, including opening slots for established rock acts and a coveted performance at the 2019 Crossroads Guitar Festival. This period solidified her reputation as a formidable new force in the blues-rock genre.

Key tracks

Midnight Highway — This charting single defined her signature sound, blending searing guitar work with an anthemic, road-ready chorus.

Queen of Rust — A fan-favorite deep cut that showcases her songwriting depth and soulful vocal delivery.

Burn It Down (feat. Marcus King) — This high-profile collaboration highlighted her ability to trade fiery licks with another modern blues guitar standout.

Chicago Wind — An ode to her hometown that remains a staple in her live set, often featuring extended improvisational sections.

Following her breakthrough, Jackie Bernard released the well-received follow-up "Steel & Fire" in 2021. The album debuted at number 42 on the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations with veteran producer Jim Scott, known for his work with Tom Petty and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Her relentless touring schedule, including headline shows in Europe and appearances at festivals like Bonnaroo, has built a dedicated global fanbase for her brand of blues-rock.

Artists with a similar gritty, guitar-driven approach include Gary Clark Jr, who also masterfully blends traditional blues with modern rock energy. The Black Keys share a foundational love for raw, riff-based blues music filtered through a contemporary lens. The powerful vocals and soulful inflection of Alabama Shakes offer a compelling parallel to Bernard's own singing style.

Jackie Bernard's music is a regular feature on classic rock FM stations updating their playlists, as well as on dedicated alternative rock radio stations seeking powerful guitar-driven music. Her songs also receive consistent airplay on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion authentic blues-rock artists.

The music of Jackie Bernard can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover her powerful blues-rock catalog by tuning into the various rock and independent radio stations available on onairium.com.