Paul Pfau with Connor Pledger from NBC's The Voice

Connor Pledger From his multifaceted vocals, effortless charm and unmistakably authentic soul, singer/songwriter Connor Pledger is making a defined mark on the Athens music scene. An Atlanta native, Pledger has grown up under the spell and influence of music legends. Cutting his teeth on the edge of Led Zeppelin, Pledger developed a deep abiding love for music and its emotional force at a young age. After he and his brother decided to borrow their father's guitar, albeit without permission, Pledger immediately fell in love with the instrument. After teaching himself to play by mimicking the songs of his musical idols, Pledger felt an instant inclination to begin writing his own material. Fascinated by the inspiration of music and the process of songwriting itself, Pledger jumped headlong into developing his own unique sound.

    Following a performance at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, Danny Infield approached the young artist and later went on to produce Pledger’s first two albums, “Detours” (2011) and “Fight or Flight “(2012). “Detours” marked the beginning of a journey for Pledger. What began with raw talent was followed by years of experience and maturing as an artist. Fan favorite, “Stutter” offers a glimpse of the honest and relatable lyrics Pledger had hoped to bring audiences. “Fight or Flight” is a clear picture of the growth and development Pledger has gone through in order to fine-tune his one of a kind tone into the smooth, powerful, blues conglomerate it is today. “Take Me Back” is, to this day, a defining track for Pledger that combines all the elements of his personal originality and authenticity while pulling from the memories of soul legends.

     Performing on stages in Athens, Atlanta, or around the world, Pledger taps into a nostalgia-inducing soul level that evokes the magnetism of music icons such as Bill Withers, Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder and combines it with the his own lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Pledger possesses an unmistakably unique voice that rattles smoothly with soul and depth while showcasing his range and precision. Built up of layers of genuine heart and personal growth, his voice represents an ideal combination of vocal talent and emotional pitch.

     The authenticity of Pledger’s art is verified by a musical experience that marries bluesy vocals, emotion-driven lyrics, down-home guitar and genuine soul. “I just want my music to make people feel, “ said Pledger. “I am not just a picture or a color or a flavor.”

     Pledger’s pursuit of true inspiration and a fresh, pioneer sound has gathered a devoted following and his desire is to use this momentum to generate buzz in Athens, Atlanta and beyond. Through his dedication to himself and his music, Pledger has the undoubted potential to bring the signature soul of the past to a new generation of music lovers.