Bizz (born Wendell Bigsby) is a North Nashville native who grew up in a home filled with strong women, raised by his grandmother and great aunts. Despite his father’s legacy as a musician who performed with icons like Little Richard and Jimi Hendrix, Bizz’s childhood was marked by hardship, including witnessing his mother being shot at age four and being introduced to drugs at 11.
Music became his lifeline and a way to process pain, channel resilience, and find his voice. Today, Bizz is a regular featured performer at Rudy’s Jazz Club, where his blend of country, blues, and rock captivates audiences and continues to build a loyal following.
We’d love to explore the opportunity for a story or interview—either in person or virtually—to discuss Bizz’s journey, his upcoming releases, and the message he hopes to share with others through his music. His story, anchored in perseverance, family, and the legacy of Nashville, is one we feel your readers would connect with.
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Listen to “Here In This Town”: Bizz Bigsby – “Here In This Town”
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Full bio available here.
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Upcoming Events:
- June 18 – Rudy’s Show (6:00 PM – 8:15 PM)
- June 20 – Single release: “Here In This Town”
- July 16 – Rudy’s Show (6:00 PM – 8:15 PM)
- September 19 – Full album release
- More infor mation: Aristo PR | AristoMedia | Nashville, | www.aristopr.com | www.aristomedia.com
- BIO
Bizz Bigsby (born Wendell Bigsby) is a dynamic and multi-talented artist whose roots run deep in North Nashville, a place where music was more than just a passion—it was a lifeline. Born to Jimmy Church and Clarissa Pamela Bigsby Jones, Bizz’s early life was marked by a unique mix of hardship and opportunity. His parents were young when they had him—his father was just 19, and his mother only 16. After his mother became pregnant, his father moved to Los Angeles, leaving Bizz to be raised by his grandmother and two great aunts in a house on Osage and 21st in North Nashville.
Although Bizz didn’t have the traditional family structure, the neighborhood was filled with love and a work ethic that shaped his worldview. Many of the families on his street had both parents working hard to provide for their children, but Bizz was one of the few children without the presence of his mom and dad. Raised by his grandmother and aunts, he found himself growing up in an environment that balanced community love and the absence of his parents. His father’s music career, which included performing with icons like Little Richard, was a distant presence in Bizz’s life. While he admired his father from afar and watched him on television, there was always a sense of emptiness in not having his father’s direct involvement. This lingering sense of invisibility shaped Bizz’s identity, creating an inner struggle despite the success he achieved throughout his life.
At just four or five years old, Bizz experienced a traumatic event that would haunt him for years to come. His mother was shot in the throat by a violent boyfriend right in front of their home. Bizz’s aunt, not realizing the gravity of the situation, initially thought his mother was playing around when she knocked on the door. “Cookie, come on in this house and quit playing,” she said, only to be met with the weak response, “No, I’m really shot.” When his mother entered the house, she collapsed in front of her four-year-old child. Doctors at Meharry Medical College later told the family that if his mother had coughed, she would have died. This experience was just the beginning of a series of traumatic events that Bizz would have to navigate, adding to the already unstable foundation of his childhood.
As his father returned to Nashville, becoming a key figure in the city's music scene as a member of Night Train, the first TV show featuring R&B music and Black performers filmed in Music City, Bizz continued to feel a deep connection to the music. His father’s success on television—performing alongside legends like Jimi Hendrix—was a major influence on Bizz. By age five or six, watching his father perform ignited a passion for music that would continue to fuel his dreams. However, Bizz would later admit that, no matter how old you get, you still yearn for your parents' approval. At 86, his father remains proud of Bizz, recognizing the strength and artistry his son has cultivated over the years.
Cared for by his grandmother and great aunts, who struggled to raise a young boy in the difficult circumstances of 1960s and 70s North Nashville, Bizz learned to navigate life largely on his own. At just 11 years old, his mother introduced him to drugs, setting off a lifelong battle with addiction that he would not overcome until his 50s. It was through his music that Bizz was able to transform his pain into purpose, finding healing and strength from the very art form that had been his constant companion throughout life.
Through his journey, Bizz was fortunate to have a positive influence in his life. The Gupton family, neighbors who lived next door, became like family to him. The Guptons were pillars of the community—Mr. Gupton, a legendary coach at Pearl High, led his teams to national championships, and Mrs. Gupton was a respected science teacher. Their son, Champ, became Bizz’s closest friend, and through their connection, Bizz was exposed to the world of Black excellence—doctors, lawyers, business owners, and athletes who showed him what success looked like. Bizz navigated both the streets and the aspirational circles of success, but his heart remained tied to music, his true calling.
Bizz’s musical journey began at the age of nine, when he performed in his first talent show, mimicking the Jackson 5 with a small band. The performance won the competition, but the joy of the day was overshadowed by the tragic news of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. The streets of Nashville were filled with grief and anger, and the celebrations came to an abrupt halt. In that moment, Bizz’s innocence was shattered, and he felt a profound shift in the world around him, signaling the end of his carefree childhood.
Bizz’s formative years were spent battling addiction, and he survived multiple near-death experiences. One of the most chilling occurred when Bizz found himself at 2 or 3 a.m. in a rough neighborhood, trying to buy drugs. A man pulled a gun and pressed it to his forehead, pulling the trigger—but the gun misfired. The man, seemingly in disbelief, told Bizz he was the luckiest person alive. This was just one of the countless close calls Bizz encountered during his years of struggle.
Another pivotal moment in his life occurred when his mother suffered a stroke, as a consequence of her addiction. Unresponsive, she was moved into a nursing home, and Bizz visited with his family. When Bizz’s year old son said his first word, “Bye-bye,” to his grandmother, she opened her eyes. By the time they arrived back home, she had passed away.
As a father to his own children, Lauren Nicole and Charles Brandon, Bizz is committed to being the kind of parent he wished he had. His daughter, Lauren, works for the state and has two children of her own, while Brandon, a recent magna cum laude graduate of Lipscomb University, is making his own mark. The close bond Bizz shares with his children is a testament to his growth and determination to provide the stability and love he lacked growing up.
Bizz’s music is a powerful fusion of country, blues, and rock, drawing on his deep personal experiences. His storytelling ability and raw emotion connect with audiences on a profound level. Whether performing in intimate venues or on larger stages, Bizz’s presence is magnetic. His most recent project has garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying his place in the music world.
A staunch advocate for preserving the roots of American music while embracing modern influences, Bizz Bigsby’s artistry is defined by his resilience and creativity. His journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose through music has inspired countless listeners. As Bizz continues to evolve as an artist, his upcoming projects promise to push boundaries and further cement his place as a force in the music industry. With a growing fan base and a passionate commitment to his craft, Bizz’s future in music is filled with endless possibilities.
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