Lazaro Marquess: The Soulful Voice of Modern Blues-Rock

Lazaro Marquess is a blues-rock singer and guitarist from Memphis, Tennessee, who has carved a distinct path by fusing traditional Southern blues with contemporary rock energy. His major label debut album, "River of Rust," cracked the Billboard 200 chart in 2018, establishing him as a formidable new voice with a classic feel.

Early career

Born in 1989, Lazaro Marquess grew up immersed in the rich musical history of his hometown. He began playing guitar at age 14, learning licks from B.B. King and Albert King records before discovering the rock influences of The Black Keys. His first independent EP, "Crossroad Sermon," was self-released in 2012 and caught the attention of regional label Delta Sound Records.

Breakthrough

Marquess's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single "Whiskey Bent," a track from his forthcoming album. The song's raw guitar tone and soulful vocal delivery gained traction on rock radio, leading to a signing with major imprint Apex Records. His subsequent album, "River of Rust," debuted at number 42 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified Gold for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States.

Key tracks

Whiskey Bent — This gritty single became his first Top 10 hit on the Mainstream Rock chart and defined his signature blues-rock sound.

River of Rust — The title track from his breakthrough album is a slow-burning epic that showcases his lyrical depth and searing guitar solos.

Burning Slow — A collaboration with singer Brittany Howard, this track expanded his audience and highlighted his soulful versatility.

Memphis Midnight — This instrumental track pays direct homage to his city's storied musical legacy and became a fan favorite at live shows.

Following the success of "River of Rust," Lazaro Marquess toured extensively, sharing stages with acts like Gary Clark Jr. and The Rival Sons. His 2021 follow-up album, "Steel & Grace," debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200 and featured a notable collaboration with veteran guitarist Joe Bonamassa on the track "Hard Line." The album solidified his reputation for consistent songwriting and electrifying performances, maintaining a strong presence on rock radio formats.

Fans of Lazaro Marquess's gritty, guitar-driven style should also explore Gary Clark Jr. who similarly modernizes blues traditions with rock intensity. The raw energy of The Black Keys is a clear foundational influence on Marquess's earlier work. For a Southern rock perspective, check out The Rival Sons and their powerful vintage-inspired sound. The soulful vocals of Brittany Howard also resonate with the emotional delivery found in Marquess's music.

Lazaro Marquess's music is a staple on many classic rock FM stations and modern rock radio stations that champion guitar-based music. His tracks are frequently featured on online rock radio streams dedicated to blues-rock and independent music radio stations seeking authentic, soulful artists. The raw power of his live recordings makes his music a perfect fit for energetic radio programming.

Listeners can discover the powerful blues-rock of Lazaro Marquess by tuning into the radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. His catalog, from "Whiskey Bent" to "Steel & Grace," is regularly played across our curated network of stations, offering the perfect way to experience his soulful sound.