Son Little

Son Little
in Davenport, Iowa, 2015
Background information
Born
Aaron Earl Livingston
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
GenresRhythm & blues, blues, soul
OccupationsSinger-songwriter, record producer
Years active2014-present
LabelAnti- Records
Formerly ofIcebird
WebsiteSon Little on Facebook

Aaron Earl Livingston,[1] also known by his stage name Son Little, is an American rhythm & blues[2] musician from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.[3]

Career

2014–2016: Solo debut and early releases

On November 10, 2014, Livingston released his debut EP as Son Little titled Things I Forgot via Anti- Records.[4][5][6]

On October 16, 2015, Livingston released his first studio album, Son Little, with Anti- Records.[7][8][9][10]

Son Little has collaborated with The Roots, RJD2, and Mavis Staples, whom he spoke highly of. In an interview with Sound of Boston he named Mavis Staples as one of his favorite singers; "She's one of my favorite people, let alone favorite singer."[11][12]

In December 2015, Son Little performed an NPR Tiny Desk Concert which increased his national exposure. That same year, NPR named him a “Top Artist to Watch,” as a notable voice in the evolution of modern R&B and soul.[13]

In 2016, Son Little made his network television debut on CBS Saturday Morning, where he performed the songs “Your Love Will Blow Me Away,” “O Mother,” and “The River.” That year, he also received a Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance for his work as a producer on Mavis Staples’ EP Your Good Fortune, specifically for the track “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.”[14]

2017–2019: New Magic and expanded recognition

On June 6, 2017, he released "Blue Magic (Waikiki)" as the first single off his next studio album, New Magic, which he announced would be released on September 15, 2017, via Anti- Records.[15] On August 1, 2017, he released "Demon To The Dark" as the second single off New Magic.[16]

During this period, Son Little’s performances at major festivals and venues helped expand his audience, including appearances at Bonnaroo, Pickathon, Electric Forest, and the Montreal Jazz Festival.[17][18] He also performed on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and conducted multiple headline tours across North America and Europe, while supporting artists such as Leon Bridges and Kelis.[19]

2020–present: Artistic evolution and later releases

Son Little’s subsequent studio albums Aloha (2020) and Like Neptune (2022) received coverage from outlets including NPR, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and American Songwriter. Several of his tracks appeared in television and streaming placements, such as FX’s Atlanta, Netflix’s Seven Seconds, and ESPN documentaries. In 2022 he appeared as a featured vocalist on "How Do We Heal" by The Suffers.[20]

In 2024, he recorded a session for NPR at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado.[21] In 2025, he appeared as a featured vocalist on "New Beginning", a track by Che Noir.[22][23]

Following a tour through the UK and Europe supporting Larkin Poe, Son Little announced a new album, Cityfolk, scheduled for release in March 2026. He released singles from the album, including “In Orbit” and “Be Better,” ahead of the full release.[24][25][26]

Influences

In an interview with Sound of Boston, Livingston cited Paul McCartney's Ram, Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, Grizzly Bear's Shields and Little Dragon's Ritual Union as inspirations for his debut album.[12]

Personal life

Livingston is a son of a preacher.[27]

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

  • Things I Forgot (2014)

Guest appearances

References

  1. ^ "William Patrick Corgan; Joey Purp; Lucy Fry; Son Little". Last Call with Carson Daly (Television program). December 2, 2017. 24 minutes in. I'm Aaron Earl Livingston, better known as Son Little.
  2. ^ Pareles, Jon. "CMJ 2014: Son Little and Sons of an Illustrious Father Offer Roots Variations". ArtsBeat (The New York Times). Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  3. ^ "Philly Scene Blog (emerging artists only)". The Deli Magazine. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  4. ^ "Stream Son Little's 'Things I Forgot' EP". Okay Player. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  5. ^ "SON LITTLE TO RELEASE NEW EP "THINGS I FORGOT"". Blues Magazine. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  6. ^ "Son Little – Things I Forgot EP". Amazon.com. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  7. ^ Tanners, Jon. "PREMIERE: SON LITTLE – "LAY DOWN"". Pigeons and Planes. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  8. ^ "Son Little Details Self-Titled Debut LP". Street Music Charts. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  9. ^ Adams, Gregory. "Son Little Details Self-Titled Debut LP". Exclaim. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  10. ^ "Son Little – Son Little". Amazon.com. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  11. ^ Scott, Damien. "Meet Son Little, the Former Roots and RJD2 Collaborator Who Is Setting Out on His Own". Complex Magazine. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  12. ^ a b Bedian, Knar. "Futurist Talking Drum Machine: Interview with Son Little". Sound of Boston. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  13. ^ Boilen, Bob (December 18, 2015). "Son Little: Tiny Desk Concert". NPR. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  14. ^ Fulton, Nick (February 4, 2020). "Son Little On Writing In Wine Country, Recording In Paris And Playing With The Legendary Roots Crew". Grammy.com. Recording Academy. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  15. ^ "Son Little announces new album New Magic, streams lead single". The Key. June 6, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  16. ^ "Son Little Summons A Gospel Singer's Spirit In 'Demon To The Dark'". NPR.org. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  17. ^ Wake, Matt (June 2, 2015). "Bonnaroo 2015: Don't Speak Hipster". AL.com. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  18. ^ Huntington, Tom (June 29, 2023). "Jam Packed With Gems: Montreal Jazz Fest Lineup Reflects Refreshing Change in Ever‑Evolving Genre". Rutland Herald. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  19. ^ "Son Little – Millennium Stage (June 28, 2023)". John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  20. ^ "Listen: The Suffers Share Poignant New Song "How Do I Heal" Featuring Son Little". Glide Magazine. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  21. ^ Mohamed, Suraya (September 2, 2024). "Son Little: Field Recordings x Aspen Ideas Festival". NPR. NPR Music. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  22. ^ "Che Noir Delivers Beautifully Cinematic New Video/Single, "New Beginning" feat. Son Little, Releases New EP". The Hip Hop Democrat. June 21, 2025. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  23. ^ "Che Noir feat. Son Little – New Beginning". Blackout Hip Hop. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  24. ^ "Son Little Announces New Album And Shares 'Be Better'". antiMusic.com. January 14, 2026. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  25. ^ Walsh, Dominic (October 18, 2025). "Larkin Poe w/ Son Little – Manchester Academy: Live Review". At The Barrier. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  26. ^ "Son Little Returns With First New Music In Three Years • Listen To New Track "In Orbit"". ANTI-. November 12, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  27. ^ Allen, Jim. "Review: Son Little, 'Son Little'". NPR. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  28. ^ "Son Little – aloha – Feature Albums". Double J. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  29. ^ "Like Neptune". Bandcamp. September 9, 2022. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  30. ^ "Che Noir Drops 'New Beginning' (ft. Son Little) – Video / 'The Color Chocolate 2' (EP)". Insomniac Magazine. June 20, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
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