Who was Sally Tiven? Blues and soul songwriter behind songs for B.B. King, Irma Thomas, and more dies at 68

Sally Tiven, a significant figure in the soul and blues landscape, passed away on July 23, 2025, at the age of 68 in Nashville. Over approximately 50 years, she had a subdued yet consistent career as a musician and songwriter, participating in recordings that helped keep old-time American music alive.

Her name might not have been on album covers, but her work could be found on records with the likes of B.B. King, Wilson Pickett, and more.

In 1977, in New York, she met music journalist and producer Jon Tiven. In 1979, they got married and entered into a lifelong personal and professional relationship. They worked together in several bands and frequently supported popular artists, even composing songs that ended up on albums all around the country.

They later had a daughter, Jacqueline Lucile (“Lucy”) Tiven, in 1991. Sally combined work as a school volunteer with her increasing commitments in music. Upon moving to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2002, she also worked with the Nashville Adult Literacy Program to instruct adults on how to read and write in English.

Sally Tiven’s early musical journey and partnership with Jon Tiven

From her start as Sally Young, she embraced both guitar and bass to support other artists onstage. She joined Jon Tiven’s group, the Yankees, and played in bands that backed icons like P.F. Sloan and Little Milton.

By the 1990s, the couple had formed the Jon Tiven Group, releasing two albums that mixed blues-rock with soul. Their collaboration extended into songwriting, as they co-wrote material for other performers, building a reputation as reliable musical partners. This period laid the groundwork for Sally Tiven's later studio work and industry connections.

Her work on iconic blues and soul recordings

Sally Tiven's musicianship and songwriting appear on a range of notable projects. She played guitar on B.B. King’s recording of “All You Ever Give Me Is the Blues” and bass on Don Covay’s Adlib (2000), Wilson Pickett’s It’s Harder Now (1999), and Sir Mack Rice’s This Is What I Do (2001).

Beyond playing instruments, she contributed as a songwriter to albums. Her songs were recorded by Huey Lewis & The News (“He Don’t Know”), Buddy Guy (“Heavy Love”), Shemekia Copeland (“Married to the Blues” and more), Irma Thomas (“Trying to Catch a Cab in the Rain”), Ian Moss (“Mr. Rain”), and the Jeff Healey Band (“River of No Return”).

Life beyond music and commitment to community

Sally Tiven was also a community worker outside the studio and onstage. Following motherhood in 1991, she continued to volunteer at her daughter's school every week.

Colleagues recall her tolerance and ability to explain things clearly to learners. Nevertheless, despite an ongoing songwriting career and recording sessions, Sally Tiven managed to contribute to literacy and education.

She is survived by her husband, Jon; her daughter, Lucy; and her sisters, Robin Young, Tracy Young, and Susan Sandomirsky. Her constant contributions as a musician, songwriter, and volunteer all bear a lasting mark.

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