In celebration of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute essays that explore themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
Today, SAVNT from the country rock band Ghost Hounds shares his essay titled ‘Learning from Legends: Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, and Prince,’ reflecting on the lessons and legacies of three remarkable Black artists as part of Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series.
SAVNT expresses, “For those who wish to make their mark on the world, these legends impart a crucial lesson: Greatness arises when you engage with your audience, perform authentically, and maintain courage in all facets of life. That’s how you create a legacy.”
“By sharing my learnings from them, I aim to motivate others to invest their passions into whatever endeavors they pursue.”
Led by SAVNT and accompanied by guitarists Tyler Chiarelli and Thomas Tull, fiddler Kristin Weber, bassist Bennett Miller, and drummer Sydney Driver, Ghost Hounds have made a significant impact through their four studio albums. Their debut album, Roses Are Black (2019), received widespread praise from outlets like Billboard and American Songwriter, amassing millions of streams across various platforms. Their follow-up album, A Little Calamity (2021), gained recognition for its classic rock vibe and featured the hit single “Good Old Days.” You Broke Me (2022) maintained their tradition of mixing classic blues rock with contemporary elements. Their most recent album, First Last Time (2023) released through Gibson Records, includes the hit single “Last Train To Nowhere,” which has gained millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, and was showcased in Taylor Sheridan’s new show Special Ops: Lioness.
Ghost Hounds have polished their sound on tour, having opened for legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Garth Brooks, Guns N’ Roses, and Bob Seger. With their synergy heightened, the band is poised to deliver even more blues-rock brilliance moving forward.
Read SAVNT’s motivating Black History Month essay below, and listen to Ghost Hounds on your preferred streaming platform!
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Honoring the Lessons and Legacies of Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, & Prince
by SAVNT
Having cherished music throughout my life, I continually search for ways to enhance the engagement and impact of my live performances.
Performing live is the most exhilarating and spiritual experience an artist can have. It’s the moment - whether brief or extended - where you transcend your own existence and immerse yourself completely in the music. All the hours of preparation culminate in that moment, and there’s nothing like it when the crowd sings along.
Every opportunity to perform is a gift, and I aim to embrace it fully each time. That’s what everyone who attends deserves, and more importantly, that’s what my soul longs for. It feels like an ongoing quest to ignite that spark—the energy capable of illuminating a stage and moving an audience in unforgettable ways.
Black artists have shaped and dominated the music industry across all genres—from blues to rock, soul to country, and funk to rap. Legends exist in every corner of the musical spectrum. When I consider those who have genuinely mastered the art of connection, three names shine brightly: Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, and Prince. These musicians forged their paths, merging genres and infusing their performances with an electrifying, magnetic, and transformative energy. They have inspired me immensely as I strive to leave a meaningful legacy, often referring to their iconic performances for guidance. These artists weren’t merely performers—they became the music. By sharing what I’ve learned from them, I aspire to motivate others to invest their heart into all they do.
Let’s begin with the unparalleled energy and authenticity of Tina Turner.
One crucial lesson she imparts through her performances is the sheer power of relentless energy. Her 1982 rendition of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash/It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll” in London exemplifies how to transform a song into something far beyond mere music. Tina infused her performance with an unmistakable, magnetic energy. She didn’t just occupy the stage—she commanded it, channeling every bit of her spirit into each movement.
For me, this performance serves as a class in stage presence. It’s not merely about delivering the notes; it’s about fully embracing the moment. Tina’s performances were electrifying because she enabled the audience to feel every word, note, and beat.
That’s the kind of energy I aspire to bring; however, to achieve this, you must engage the crowd to believe in you, your message, and the music you present. Tina taught me that a blend of confidence and strength can elevate a good performance to an unforgettable one.
Next, I turn to Lenny Kravitz.
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SAVNT, a member of the country rock band Ghost Hounds, presents his essay titled ‘Learning from Legends: Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, & Prince.’ This piece reflects on the insights and legacies of three remarkable Black artists, contributing to Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series!