It’s hard to believe that Robert Finley, a musician who so wholly embodies the spirit of contemporary blues music, was nearly relegated to the annals of obscurity. Finley certainly has the pedigree to claim a position as a blues great: born and raised in a small northern Louisians town, he has been playing guitar since he was 11 years old, later performing overseas in a U.S. military band throughout the ’70s after enlisting as a helicopter technician. Once back home in Louisiana, he gigged regionally while focusing on his career as a carpenter, which was cut short when he lost his eyesight. But hardship turned into opportunity — with the help of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, Finley became a full-time professional musician in his early 60s, releasing his first album in 2016.

Once he was finally unleashed upon the world, the music industry and audiences recognized Finley for the remarkable talent he is and he hasn’t looked back since. His soulful approach to singing, world-weathered voice, and trademark cowboy hat and boots have turned him into an instant legend. He soon attracted the attention of The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, who signed Finley to his Easy Eye Sound label and often plays alongside Finley with Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney. While the hipster recognition is nice and has helped him build an audience, Finley deserves full credit for his own success — his experience, captivating stories and undeniable gift for performing have earned him a career. The world is finally able to behold the power of Finley fulfilling his own destiny, even if it took him a while to get here.

— Elizabeth Chorney-Booth