Singer-songwriter Jeff Black is one of folk music’s long-lasting voices. Having a mainstream career spanning over 30 years, including hits like “That’s Just About Right,” which landed in the top ten of the United States Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, or his shining talents as a writer, which earned him a Grammy nomination for co-writing Sam Bush’s 2009 album Circles Around Me. Black’s career is one that any musician would be honored to have. On June 11, at The Ark in Ann Arbor, the folk artist will take the stage for the first time in his career, showcasing a highlight of his music, along with some special treats for the audience.
In March 2025, Jeff Black released the album Anthology, a greatest hits-esque project comprising over a dozen songs spanning his career, curated entirely by his fans, who he allowed to select which songs should make the final cut of the project.
“I always feel like I am speaking for a shy friend when I write songs; it makes me feel better that that connection reaches far.” Black says, “I love the idea that people care a great deal about songs that actually belong to them after I release them, you know, they are not mine anymore.”
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Black’s music is soft-spoken and wonderfully introspective. While sonically, songs feature acoustic guitar, minimal drums, and occasional accompanying instrumentation such as relaxing-toned pianos and backing strings, the selling point of his music is his ability to tell convincing stories, matched with his powerful voice, which soulfully aches with tones of hard-earned wisdom.
Songs like “Waiting” from the aforementioned Anthology album capture these essences, discussing the importance of patience and providing grace to yourself and situations that block personal goals.
Regarding his upcoming performance at The Ark, Black, who is often best described as a regular touring musician, admits he has not played in Ann Arbor for several decades. However, he looks forward to enjoying the city’s breadth of coffee shops and vintage stores before hitting the stage.
“I always feel like there are songs inside these instruments from vintage stores. It’s this wonderful quest to run across an old guitar, an old piano, or a mandolin,” Black said. “A friend of mine gave me an old banjo, and I wrote a song called ‘Gold Heart Locket’ on that.”
For those in attendance at The Ark, Black said he plans on showcasing his classic material, along with a host of new songs, having crafted some new material alongside longtime collaborator Susan Rogers, who produced Black’s debut album, Birmingham Road, in 1998.
“I’m previewing some songs from a project I’ve been working on with Susan (Rogers). We all went down to Muscle Shoals and started this record, and we’ve got several tracks under our belt,” Black said. “I always love to invite people back to be part of a record. That kind of return on investment is forever once we get it etched in stone.”
While this is his first time playing at the Ann Arbor venue, Black said he is grateful to have the opportunity to visit the city and hopes everyone enjoys the July 11th show.
“I enjoy playing music more than I ever have in my life, and it’s strange because I’m not sure exactly why that happened. I think it is because I had a few second chances,” Black said. “I’ve been blessed with this time to be here and connect with people.”
For more information, you can visit The Ark’s website or call (734) 761-1818. Jeff Black will take the stage on June 11 at 8pm
Antonio Cooper is a freelance journalist from Detroit, Michigan. His coverage of music festivals and interviews with local celebrities appeared in The E-Current Magazine, The Detroit Metro Times, XXL Magazine, RichMagDigital, The Ann Arbor Observer, and Pop Magazine.
