SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Oct. 1, 2026 - PRLog -- A deeply personal Black American family story is reaching new audiences through audio with the release of ExtraOrdinary: The ExtraOrdinary Life of Louise Blake, written by Blake Roberts and narrated and produced by award-winning voice artist BIGLLOU Johnson.
The unabridged nonfiction audiobook tells the story of Louise Blake, a family matriarch shaped by faith, sacrifice, resilience, humor and love. Written by her youngest son, ExtraOrdinary grew from Roberts' determination to preserve the memories, experiences and lessons of the woman he knew as mother, hero and best friend.
Roberts began developing the project with his mother in 2007. What began as a collection of stories became a record of one Black American family's history and of a generation whose experiences and wisdom can disappear when family elders are gone.
Narrator and producer BIGLLOU Johnson approached the recording not simply as a reading, but as an act of storytelling—using warmth, humor, authority and emotional restraint to bring Louise Blake's world to life.
Johnson is the original host voice of B.B. King's Bluesville on SiriusXM and a recipient of Voice Arts, One Voice, Reed, Telly and Blues Music Award honors. His work spans narration, film, television, documentary storytelling, music and live performance.
ExtraOrdinary was released August 28, 2026 through GoldenVoice Audio Recordings, the recording and label arm of GoldenVoice Audio Productions. The audiobook is available on Audible, Spotify and major audiobook platforms.
The audiobook has been submitted for GRAMMY® Award consideration. The submission represents consideration only and does not constitute a nomination or endorsement by the Recording Academy.
A limited number of complimentary audiobook promo codes are available, while supplies last, to established book and audiobook reviewers, journalists, podcasters and media professionals interested in considering ExtraOrdinary for review or coverage. Reviewers are under no obligation to provide positive coverage, and all opinions remain entirely their own. To request a review code, contact GoldenVoice Audio Recordings at media@gvap.net.
About Blake Roberts
Blake Roberts is a South Bend native, writer, director and producer whose creative work spans stage, film and television. In 2007, he began developing ExtraOrdinary with his mother, Louise Blake, to preserve her life and family history.
About BIGLLOU Johnson
BIGLLOU Johnson is an award-winning narrator, voice actor, broadcaster, blues artist and live host known for his deep, distinctive voice and emotionally grounded storytelling. He is the original host voice of B.B. King's Bluesville on SiriusXM.
Listen to ExtraOrdinary
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/ExtraOrdinary-Audiobook/B0HGZFPDP5
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KEsdf4c3D275nbGwvwNUk
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: GoldenVoice Audio Recordings
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