Paul Thorn in Winston-Salem

Paul Thorn is an American singer-songwriter raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, who plays roots rock shaped by blues, country and Southern storytelling. A former professional boxer, he drew on that background for his debut album, Hammer & Nail. He is also known for the albums Mission Temple Fireworks Stand and Pimps and Preachers, and for the song “It’s a Great Day to Whup Somebody’s Ass.” Paul Thorn opened concerts for Sting after his debut and later established the Paul Thorn Band as his touring group for dates across the United States. Subsequent road work included touring with Bonnie Raitt, while his own shows have taken him through clubs, theatres and roots-music festivals. He has also made repeated appearances on Cayamo, the songwriter-focused music cruise.