Blackberry Smoke have had seven members and touring members since the band formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2001. The current line-up is Charlie Starr, Paul Jackson, Richard Turner, Brandon Still and Benji Shanks, with Kent Aberle on drums as a touring member. The two former members are drummer Brit Turner and percussionist Preston Holcomb.
The core of Starr, Jackson and bassist Richard Turner has been constant from the start (the band’s member list dates them from 2000). Richard’s brother Brit Turner co-founded the band and was its drummer until his death in March 2024. Kent Aberle has covered drums on tour since late 2023.
The band made its name as an independent act. Its debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, came out in 2003, and in 2015 Holding All The Roses went to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, as did Like An Arrow in 2016. The band has released eight studio albums, two live albums and five EPs.
Charlie Starr – Lead Vocals and Guitar (2000–present)
Charlie “Starr” Gray, known as Charlie Starr, is the lead vocalist and plays lead and rhythm guitar. He has fronted the band since it formed.
Paul Jackson – Guitar and Backing Vocals (2000–present)
Paul Jackson plays rhythm and lead guitar and sings backing vocals. He is a founding member.
Richard Turner – Bass and Backing Vocals (2000–present)
Richard Turner has played bass and sung backing vocals since 2000.
Brandon Still – Keyboards (2009–present)
Brandon Still joined on keyboards in 2009, adding piano and organ to the band’s Southern rock sound.
Benji Shanks – Guitar, Mandolin and Dobro (2018–present)
Benji Shanks was added in 2018 as a third guitarist, and he also plays mandolin and dobro.
Kent Aberle – Drums (Touring, 2022–present)
Kent Aberle has played drums and percussion as a touring member since 2022.
Former Members
- Brit Turner: drums (2000–2024). He was a co-founder and Richard Turner’s brother. He died in March 2024.
- Preston Holcomb: percussion (2018–2024). He was added as a touring member in 2018 and retired from touring in spring 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the founding members of Blackberry Smoke? Charlie Starr, Paul Jackson, Richard Turner and Brit Turner, all dating from the band’s beginnings.
- Who plays drums for Blackberry Smoke now? Kent Aberle, a touring member since 2022.
- Who is the lead singer of Blackberry Smoke? Charlie Starr.
- When did Blackberry Smoke add a keyboard player? In 2009, when Brandon Still joined.
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