Appalachian Soul Man - Aristotle Jones

Current City: Osage, WV

Hometown: Huntington, WV 

Genre:  Appalachian Soul (Soul, R&B, Doo-Wop, Gospel, Funk, Folk')

Sounds Like: Bill Withers jamming out with Gary Clark Jr., Chris Stapleton, and the Memphis Horns.

​

Accolades

2026 United States Artist Fellowship

2023 Black Appalachian Storyteller Fellowship

​​​

WHO IS THE APPALACHIAN SOUL MAN?

​Appalachian Soul Man, Aristotle Jones, has become a fan favorite in the Central Appalachia, Mid Atlantic Region and beyond. 

​

"When you see Aristotle Jones on stage, during either his intimate acoustic storyteller sets or during his electrifying sets with his Amazing Appalachian Soul band there is only one word that can accurately describe his energy.... CAPTIVATING! " 

​

Jason Young

- Program Director -

Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center

 

​

ARISTOTLE'S UNIQUE SOUND!​

Influenced by rural soundscapes in addition to the music of Rock n Roll Legend Johnny Johnson and Soul Legend Bill Withers (both West Virginia natives) Aristotle Jones combines the folksy elements of growing up in Appalachia, with the soulful storytelling, and funky pocket of Black American Music. 

 

Coining the sound "Appalachian Soul"... Jones, accompanied by  percussive guitar, jangly piano licks, snappy horn lines and a lock tight rhythm section, carries on the tradition of the making soulful, high energy folk music that  was found in juke joints along a network of Black boom towns, venues and and churches throughout the American South, and Appalachian Region in the 20th Century.

 

Jones and his ensemble utilize both traditional and contemporary sonics to create a "Modern Throwback" sound. It is in this spirit that the Appalachian Soul Man pushes that narrative forward into the 21st Century.

​

AUTHENTICITY MEETS ORIGINALITY...

​

What makes Aristotle's music and live performances so specials is his connection to the region and history. Aristotle leans into genre blending and his repertoire combines elements of Soul, Folk, Jazz and Blues that were staples of the "Chit'lin Circuit"... with the Bluegrass, Folk, and Gospel music that was also found in big doses in coal camps in Appalachia.

 

His Original material, selected covers, and reimagined folk songs give the audiences a  glimpse into an under represented American genre from a first hand account and transports audiences to the intersection of early Rhythm and Blues.   

 

"Not only was the audience groovin' out to the great music but they loved the entertaining anecdotes about life growing up in rural Appalachia, and spending time on his Granddad's (Robert Jones) Farm"

​

- Bill Fraley

Talent Buyer - WV Pubfest

​

 

MORE THAN A GOOD FEELING.

​

The central theme of Aristotle's music and community projects is shedding light on the contribution to art in culture provided by Black Americans living in the Appalachian Mountains. He is the descendant of coal miners, and farmers who against all odds made a life in the poor coal town of Osage, West Virginia.  

​

Jones' music reflects the values of courage, fortitude and determination that were taught to him while porch picking with his grandfather, a regional Gospel and Soul singer who traveled to segregated coal camps performing for black coal miners in the mid 20th Century, and Aristotle is proud to carry on the legacy of Soulful Folk  and Rock n' Roll born in hills of Appalachia.

 

You can find music from Aristotle Jones on Apple Music, Spotify, CD Baby, as well as other major platforms and at www.AristotleJones.com