Music is expansive. It’s made from the heart for the heart, and it’s made to receive. We love it because it feeds our souls.
And that’s exactly what singer-songwriter Leon Bridges does so effortlessly.
In 2014, Bridges debuted his soulful works with the world and simultaneously stunned them with a thoughtful style reminiscent of 1950s and ’60s soul music.
Needless to say, it was well-received. Releasing two songs in late 2014 on Soundcloud, he instantly received airplay from local radio stations and won over the interest of numerous record labels.
One of those songs went on to become his hit single, “Coming Home.”
It was quickly recognized by Spotify as one of their Top 10 most viral hits. The following year, he released his debut album of the same name with Columbia Records.
Bridges’ musical breakout has been a study in refinement and grace.
He’s often been likened to a modern-day Sam Cooke.
Both smooth and clever, he’s shown us a version of heart and soul we didn’t think could exist this day and age. Effectively, Bridges has managed to bottle up an entire era of music past, one that existed long before him, and imagine back into the spotlight—reinvented, profound, retro and new.
The beauty is that when Bridges introduced himself to the music scene, he emerged vintage.
But the old elements that are so delicately woven throughout his music, detailed as ever, remain relevant to this day.
Bridges is masterful at creating that soul connection. His silky music is described as a “transmission straight from the heart” by Austin 360.
His song “Coming Home” instantly sounds like an old friend, affectionate and true.
With just one listen, you’re instantly transported to a different time and place.
You get the warmest feeling, which he seamlessly drives home with a smoked-honey voice.
The accompanying music video portrays the same feeling.
The video begins in black and white, depicting spinning analog tape players.
The screen cuts to a shot of Bridges in front of a microphone, giving us a soft “woah-oh” to warm up his voice. Cue the music. Bridges walks down an empty street, past the Marquee, boots shined, guitar in hand. We’re flooded with a tender malt-shop soul sound, and then the softest lyrics: “Baby, baby, baby, I’m coming home.”
The Texas native spent most of his childhood trying to find his place.
His parents separated when he was seven, and he spent most of his time between Fort Worth and inner-city Dallas.
After Hurricane Katrina hit, he had 10 relatives come to live with him, his mother, and his half-sister. And despite being surrounded by people, he carried loneliness and insecurity.
Just trying to fit in, Bridges filled his head with the music his peers enjoyed, such as User and Ginuwine – far cries from the legacy he’d come to be likened to. Looking back, his version of nostalgia looks a lot different.
As a young millennial, when Bridges was finally introduced to the music of Sam Cooke, something struck him.
He entertained the moment, knowing that this was the music he wanted to be immersed in.
He reflected once in an interview:
“It’s crazy — I didn’t grow up with any of this music. All this shows that you can’t teach soul music. It has to be something already inside you. It’s not something that you can try to do — it’s who you are.”
And we’re ever grateful to have him.
Check out “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges for yourself in the video below, and for a second listen, check out “Texas Sun”!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
