Robert Finley

At 72, Robert Finley has become one of the leading voices of modern blues, earning international recognition for his distinctive blend of blues, soul, and R&B. With his latest album, Hallelujah! Don’t Let The Devil Fool Ya, Finley fulfills a lifelong ambition: creating a record deeply rooted in his faith. Since singing in church as a child in Louisiana, he had dreamed of making a gospel album.

Rather than a traditional gospel release, the album merges gospel influences with Finley’s signature blues, soul, and R&B sound. The project was once again created with producer and longtime collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Recording sessions at Easy Eye Sound Studios in Nashville were highly spontaneous, drawing on Finley’s talent for improvisation. Guided by Auerbach, Finley created songs on the spot, and the entire album was recorded in a single day.

After the initial sessions, Auerbach felt the record needed an additional element. He invited Finley’s daughter, Christy Johnson, a lifelong gospel singer and his touring backing vocalist since 2019, to contribute. Her powerful call-and-response vocals became a crucial part of the album, adding emotional depth and a strong spiritual dimension. The chemistry between father and daughter helps give the record its unique character.

Since launching his recording career at age 62, Finley has released several critically acclaimed albums, appeared on America’s Got Talent, toured extensively across Europe and beyond, and established himself as a respected international artist.