Ghost Town Blues Band

Career

In high school he formed his first band, The Blind Venetians, with current Ghost Town lead guitarist Taylor Orr; they recorded one record at age 15 but disbanded after graduation. Isbell later joined the Stax Music Academy SNAP! program and spent seven years in a cover band. Following his mother's sudden death from a stroke, he reassessed his future. While a student in the University of Memphis music business program, he released a solo album, Rock Lotto, in 2007.

Seeking to form a new band, Isbell found Suavo Jones, who became a constant member, and they were initially joined by keyboardist Jeremy Powell. The band's name and trademark second-line entrance originated from their inability to draw a crowd; Isbell recalled saying, 'It's a ghost town in here. We must be the Ghost Town Blues Band. To boost trade they took their music onto Beale Street, which led to the second-line tradition.

Did You Know?

• Isbell has manufactured over 600 three-string cigar box guitars since 2010.
• His clientele includes Eric Schrenkman of the Spin Doctors, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Leonhart of Steely Dan, and Joe Bonamassa.
• Isbell makes about 200 slides per month in his home workshop.