Alonzo Townsend takes lessons from his legendary parents to spotlight St. Louis music

Alonzo Townsend is not just a champion for St. Louis music — he was born into it.

The St. Louis native founded the Townsendx3 Agency to support local artists by managing them and putting power behind their brands, something he learned to do as a child from his dad, blues legend Henry "Mule" Townsend.

“My dad was big on having me [be] a part of his business. He had me writing checks, reading contracts, doing computer invoicing and typing letterheads out for him. I was selling CDs for him at festivals,” Townsend told St. Louis on the Air. “I was fortunate to travel with him a lot.”

Townsend’s mother, Vernell, was a gospel blues singer and sang with Henry on several songs, including “Tears Come Rolling Down” and “Going Down Slow.” She also had a career in her own right.