NATCHEZ — When Emerson Hill Jr. is not entertaining in his latest rendition as a local blues singing talent, he is just “Dad” to a trio of children.

When The Dart landed on State Street Thursday, Hill alongside his three children and mother, were tidying up the outside of their home.

Hill, born in Chicago, said he has gravitated toward music since he was young.

The 28-year-old musician described music as not only a strong passion of his, but also something that helped him to develop as a youngster.

“Music saved me,” Hill said. “I was doing things in the streets that I had no business doing. Music gave me something.”

Hill got his start in singing gospel, then transitioned to R&B in Chicago.

But when he and his family relocated from the Windy City to Natchez in 2007, Hill focused primarily on blues music.

“This is the place for the blues,” Hill said. “This is Mississippi — the Delta.”

Hill produces content on a regular basis, including his latest album titled Room 102 with his hit title track, Room 102.

Hill noted he performs anywhere between seven and nine shows each month, and performed this past weekend at the local club Joe Carter’s in addition to making an appearance in Rayville, La.

But perhaps the most difficult shows he has performed came just a few weeks ago in late March.

Hill’s grandmother, Augusta Seiferth, died at the age of 91.

Hill said he had a musical performance the night of her death, and another show the following day.

“I got through them,” Hill said. “I’ve got an angel with me now.”

Hill noted his grandmother was his biggest supporter of all.

“She told me to keep going,” he said. “She called me her star.”

When the single father is not on stage, corralling his three children continues to occupy the remainder of his time. All three of Hill’s children are 9 and under, with his youngest being 2 years old.

“We like to run around and play video games,” Hill said. “They are a trip, but we have a lot of fun.”

Hill said he works hard to instill good values and traits in his children, often passing along his own experiences and views.

“The world is so crazy, I try to let them know about real stuff and let them be themselves,” he said.