GhLinks Media
Memphis musician Blake Rhea was shot and killed on Wednesday morning.
According to a post on X from the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a shooting at 322 S. Cleveland at 1:13 a.m. A male victim, later identified as Rhea, was pronounced dead at the scene while a male suspect fled on foot.
“The victim and suspect were involved in a verbal altercation before the shooting,” the department’s post stated.
Thursday morning, Edward Wurl, 51, was charged with first degree murder for the shooting of Rhea. He is also charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
Rhea was a musician known for touring and playing with Southern Avenue, John Németh, Marcella Simien and many others.
Who is Blake Rhea?
Rhea has a long history with Memphis. He graduated from Memphis University School and went on to attend Rhodes College.
He is well known for playing bass with group Southern Avenue and his work at School of Rock in Germantown.
He was a co-founder of the group CYC, an eclectic Bluff City band that blended hip-hop, rock and jazz.
Rhea’s work with Grammy-nominated Southern Avenue
Southern Avenue is a blues band from Memphis. The group formed in 2015 and consists of members Tierinii Jackson, Ori Naftaly, Jeremy Powell, Tikyra Jackson, Evan Sarver and Ava Jackson. The group records with Memphis label Stax Records and released its debut album in 2017.
The group was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2019 for its album “Keep On.”
The band most recently performed on the Outlaw Music Festival Tour with Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp.
Southern Avenue is scheduled to release its next album, “Found A Friend In You,” in early 2025.
