The Untold Story of Blake Anderson Hanley

Imagine growing up in the sunny, segregated vibes of West Palm Beach, Florida, where cultures clash but rarely connect. That’s where Blake Anderson Hanley found his voice—literally. Born on March 2, 1984, this American indie rocker and family law attorney has carved out a unique path, blending heartfelt music with real-world advocacy. You might know him as the ex-husband of NCIS star Emily Wickersham, but there’s so much more to his story. He’s the frontman of Ghost Lion, a band that mixes pop, calypso, and electronic beats into something raw and relatable. And off-stage? He’s fighting for families in courtrooms, helping low-income folks navigate tough times. Let’s dive into Blake’s journey, from strumming guitars to arguing cases, all while keeping it real and human.

Early Life: From Shy Kid to Songwriter

Blake’s story starts in Palm Beach, Florida, with a family that encouraged creativity. His dad, Daniel Hanley, was a former athlete and businessman, while his mom, Denise, worked as a teacher. He has a brother named Drew, and growing up near the coast shaped his love for nature and music. As a kid, Blake was painfully shy—he’d “disappear in the shadows,” as friends put it. Inspired by the Buena Vista Social Club’s classical guitar sounds and the raw energy of Nine Inch Nails, he started writing songs at age 10. Punk icons like The Clash and Sex Pistols fueled his passion for blending genres and adding a dash of social commentary.

He chased education with the same drive: attending Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and later Southwestern Law School. It wasn’t just about degrees; it was about breaking out of his bubble and connecting with the world. Blake’s early life wasn’t glamorous—it was about overcoming personal hurdles, like that shyness, through art. Today, at 42 (as of 2026), he stands 5’10” with that classic brown hair and eyes, but it’s his inner growth that shines.

Music Career: The Heartbeat of Ghost Lion

Blake’s music isn’t just tunes—it’s therapy. He kicked off his career winning a Live Nation Battle of the Bands contest, scoring $35,000 for recording gear. That led to showcases for big labels like Republic/Universal, but when deals fell through, he didn’t quit. Instead, he formed Ghost Lion, a name that captures his duality: “Ghost” for his introverted side, “Lion” for the courage he craved.

Ghost Lion’s sound? A subtropical mash-up of indie pop, calypso, cumbia, South American folk, and electronic vibes. It’s dark, cathartic, and inclusive, drawing from Blake’s yearning to bridge cultural divides in his hometown. He handles vocals, guitar, and production, often collaborating with drummer Paul O’Leary.

Detailed Discography and Song Breakdowns

Unlike those quick bios online that skim the surface, let’s get into the goods. Ghost Lion’s releases tell a story of evolution:

• Ballad of St. Panama (EP, 2017): Blake’s debut under Ghost Lion. This five-track EP blends acoustic warmth with electronic edges. Standout “Shot the Sun Down” (released as a single in 2016) is a celebratory glow-up, capturing hope amid chaos with explosive dynamics and ethereal vibes.
• Nuclear Island (Full Album, Release Date Not Specified in Sources, but Post-2018): A 13-song powerhouse exploring heartbreak, spirituality, loneliness, and identity. Blake wrote it during a time when his world felt like it was “on the verge of falling apart.” Tracks like “Got It” are anthemic self-talk anthems—think lines like “Ain’t afraid to love or die / Afraid to live and never try.” “Sinking Stones” feels like a prayer, with chorus pleas of finding our way home. “Running Back To You” ramps up the urgency with propulsive beats, mirroring that “darkest before dawn” feeling. And the stripped-down single “6th Wave” (one of five singles) dives into pandemic isolation, showcasing Blake’s sensual nylon-string guitar and vulnerable vocals.

Ghost Lion has dropped five singles total, plus theater shows across Florida and a SunFest performance in 2019. Blake’s lyrics hit hard because they’re personal—he’s subverting biases by “going straight for the heart.” Fans say his songs make them feel less alone, which keeps him creating. No major new album announced for 2026 yet, but sources hint he’s working on fresh tracks and mentoring up-and-coming artists.

Personal Life: Love, Loss, and New Beginnings

Blake’s not one for the spotlight—he dodges media like a pro. But his personal life adds layers to his human side. He married actress Emily Wickersham on November 23, 2010, in a dreamy Florida Keys ceremony. They met through friends, bonded over creativity, and seemed like a perfect match. No kids came from the marriage, and they split amicably in 2018 after eight years. Blake calls it a growth chapter, focusing on maturity and privacy post-divorce.

Fast-forward: In 2019, he remarried Mumbi O’Brien, and they welcomed daughter Mouni in 2020. Fatherhood has grounded him, blending family life with his careers. Hobbies like surfing, travel, and nature keep him balanced. His Instagram (@blakehansolo) offers glimpses, but he’s all about real connections over fame. Net worth? Around $2 million in 2026, from music, law, and smart ventures.

Career Transition: From Stage to Courtroom

Here’s where Blake stands out— he pivoted to law without losing his artistic soul. After music highs and lows, he graduated from Southwestern Law School and joined the Legal Aid Society. By 2023, he shifted to Bruce Law Firm as a divorce and family law attorney, specializing in domestic violence and community support.

His advocacy? Deeply empathetic. Blake focuses on pro bono work for low-income families, drawing from his music’s themes of resilience and connection. Anonymized stories show him helping through divorces and custody battles with compassion. It’s not glamorous, but it’s impactful—think guiding folks through “sensitive situations” with the same heart he puts into lyrics. This dual career proves you can reinvent yourself at any age.

Timeline of Blake Anderson Hanley’s Life

To make sense of his twists and turns, here’s a quick chronology:

Ongoing Projects & Forward-Looking Perspective

As of 2026, Blake’s juggling it all. Ghost Lion is still active—he’s hinted at a new album, blending more global rhythms with personal stories. Mentoring emerging artists keeps his creative fire lit. In law, he’s expanding advocacy, perhaps into artist rights or community programs. Fatherhood inspires him to focus on mental health and environmental causes, tying back to his coastal roots.

Blake’s philosophy? Authenticity and empathy. “I strive to subvert biases by going straight for the heart,” he says. In a world of divisions, he’s building bridges—one song, one case at a time.