About BRYAN Keith & No Longer Prisoner

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Love Music?? That’s an understatement!! Bryan was born in Clarksdale, MS; “Home of the Blues”. He grew up in Mississippi and Texas with his younger brother, mom and dad.  Living in everything from a school bus, a sharecropper's house, his car, and apartments. He dreamed of making a better life for himself than what he had growing up.

From the young age of 11 years old, Bryan dreamed of becoming the next Garth Brooks. So much so that he ironed his jeans and shirts just like Garth. He was such a fan that he wore Wrangler jeans and shirts just like Garth; as well as Justin lace-up Roper boots. Bryan’s mom bought a used BoomBox cassette player for him at a yard sale for $2. He desperately wanted a Sony WalkMan but his parents couldn’t afford one. But he was curious about the cassette player, so he took it apart and discovered a microphone inside. He took a wire off his grandfather's chainsaw and made the microphone longer so he could sing into it while he performed songs off Garth Brooks “Ropin’ the Wind” album that his mom had purchased at another yard sale for $2. He sang for a “sold out” crowd every night in his bedroom or he would stand on the front porch and sing to the top of his lungs for his mom and neighbors. It was a humble beginning, yet his stage was always exciting and his audience welcoming as he began his journey.

At the age of 12, Bryan’s mom and dad used their income tax return to take him to Nashville to record “The Dance”, “The River” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes” at the Barbara Mandrell Studio. That was a defining moment in his life at an early age. His mom would play the cd over and over while she cooked or cleaned house. She always told him “Son, they already have a Garth Brooks, what they need is a Bryan Keith.” He kept singing every chance he got. Despite all of this, Bryan never got the opportunity to be a child. His dad was a drug addict and alcoholic, so providing for his family wasn’t a priority. Not long after he got to experience recording professionally on Music Row, he had to quit school, to work on a farm, so his mom and brother had a place to live and food on the table. He grew up way too early but that drive, and determination have helped him persevere and survive situations and circumstances in his life. He knows the importance of hard work and dedication to make it in society.

By age 15, Bryan had his own place to live and his own ride. He continued to work so he could provide for himself, as well as his family. He got paid every Friday and he would go spend some of his paycheck on different colors of Wrangler jeans, shirts, and Roper boots, like Garth.

He used his talent by singing at Karaoke contests and performing with different local bands; using fake ids to get into bars and clubs. But his passion and love for music continued to grow rapidly.

Some years later, Bryan decided to move to Nashville to pursue a career in music. He was discovered while walking into a liquor store singing “New Orleans Lady” that he had just heard on the radio. That opened the door for a management deal with Jerry Foster and Starplex Management. On September 11, 2001 Bryan was with Jerry Foster in a recording studio outside of Nashville recording songs for his own album “Meltin’ Down” when America was attacked by terrorist. He remembers watching airplanes fly into buildings and the horror that came with it. He joined forces with other Country music artists in Nashville to raise money to help the victims, help with clean-up efforts, and raise awareness of terrorism. He also traveled the circuit from NC to New Mexico for experience but not even this was enough to detour Bryan from the path he was already taking himself down which was doing drugs, drinking, and living a dangerous lifestyle he had grown accustomed to. He was told he was a “Lamborghini with a slipping clutch.” Meaning he couldn’t stay sober long enough to make his music career launch and grow into what he dreamed it to be So, he packed up and moved back to Mississippi. His path of drugs, alcohol, and lifestyle took him down the wrong path rapidly.

Soon finding himself doing some jail time and some prison time for choices and decisions he made. However, he used that time that God sat him down instead of laying him down to work on his musical abilities and further educate himself. He worked religiously on his vocals, as well as taught himself how to play the guitar, wrote songs, and built numerous bands and worship teams. He also earned his GED, as well as degrees in Landscape Design, Horticulture, and Golf Course Management.

He chose to become a better man, not a bitter man. But, the most important day of his life was November 1, 2011 when he gave his heart and life to Christ, Bryan’s spiritual birthday!!!! He fell in Love with Jesus and studied The Bible so much that the Holy Spirit revealed The Bible to him in ways that only God can do and he used that energy to write and arrange powerful songs to which people can relate. From that day he has been and still is a Jesus Freak!!!

Grateful for the preparation season, Bryan is looking forward to this new chapter and all that God has in store for him. He’s in the process of recording with world renown producers Dave Fowler and Kent Wells (Dolly Parton). Bryan’s style of music is mainstream country with a Christian message and all of his shows are family friendly.

Everyone has a story to tell. Bryan hopes his story and those of the band, inspires and encourages people to keep going and pressing onward. Our mission statement, "Setting the captive free and reaching the lost and hurting by proclaiming the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through powerful music, testimonies, and the spoken Word of God" is a way to offer hope for the journey and trust in the one who created you to be all you can be in Him.

Bryan Keith and No Longer Prisoner are working on a new project due out in the fall of 2024. Be watching for the 1st single release “Could’ve Been Somethin’” coming in July folowed by "Kill Myself"
“No Longer Prisoner Tour” kicks off in his home state of Alabama in July with stops already planned in Texas with stops continually sought after.  If you would like to book Bryan Keith and No Longer to come to your event, church or festival, then click on the booking link on the home page! 

God is continually opening doors....so join us as God leads and see what plans He has for Bryan Keith and his band, No Longer Prisoner.  The Name of the Band comes from Luke 4:18 where Jesus tells us that He has come to set the captive (prisoner, or in bondage to sin and addiction, etc..) FREE!