In June 2013, soul singer Brian Owens posted a video of himself and his father, Thomas Owens, singing a cover of the Sam Cooke hit, “A Change Is Gonna Come.” The video went viral on YouTube (https://youtu.be/cEXhZ8PwM-Yand) has since been viewed almost 100 million times by people from across the world (with the video still receiving more than 50K views per day). The video has tens of thousands of comments and has even drawn the attention of notable personalities including reporter Dan Rather, comedian DL Hughley and businesswoman (and mother of Beyonce) Tina Knowles-Lawson.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the video, Brian and Thomas Owens are recording a new album, “Duets with Dad,” and performing live together at a special Father’s Day concert of the same name at Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Concert special guests include Malena Smith, The Mighty Pines’ Neil Salsich (“The Voice”), and Hi Rhythm Section (the house band for hit soul albums by Al Green, Ann Peebles and more), as well as Pop! Pop! Pop!, a 20 piece modern string orchestra led by Adam Maness. The concert anniversary, will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 6pm.
Tickets are now on sale at:
www.brianowenssoul.com/duetswithdad or www.umsl.edu/touhill.
Tickets are $25-$45. A $15 livestream ticket is available for those unable to attend in-person. VIP tickets ($150 and only available by calling the Touhill ticket office: 314-516-4949) include premium seating for two, a pre-show meet-and-greet / Q&A and a special merch package.
A portion of the concert’s proceeds will benefit MANUP Global, a St Louis-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of families and urban communities by encouraging and empowering men to be agents of change and growth in their various communities. With a reach of over 2000+ African American men, MANUP motivates men and their families to serve as catalysts for positive change in their personal lives and various communities.
Duets with Dad is supported by The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis.
“A Change is Going to Come took on a life of its own,” said Brian Owens. “It’s a true blessing to see how much that song has helped and inspired so many people, complete strangers. I had no expectations when we posted that video. Ten years later, it’s still being viewed. It hasn’t lost steam. I’m excited to be able to celebrate with my dad by performing live together on Father’s Day and Juneteenth weekend in St. Louis, as well as by releasing an album of new duets for everyone, around the whole world, who has been so supportive over the past decade.”
The “Duets with Dad” album, set to release June, is a collection of covers, including Try A Little Tenderness, People Get Ready and Stand by Me. It features performances by David Sanborn, Isaiah Sharkey and members of the famed Hi Rhythm Section.
About Brian Owens:
Brian Owens is an Americana Soul artist whose music reflects St. Louis: a city infused with blues, soul, and gospel, resulting in a style that is distinctly his own. He has been featured with fellow St. Louisans Michael McDonald and David Sanborn, both touring and recording. He’s released eight albums, including “Love Came Down” (2020) and “Soul of Cash” (2017).
