Award-winning singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson rose to the top of country music through blood, sweat, and tears. He never stopped until he became one of the most highly respected artists in Nashville, with his work being heavily praised by fans and professionals alike.
Let’s take a deeper look into Johnson’s journey with these facts.
1. He’s a native of Enterprise, Alabama.
Born on July 14, 1975, Jamey Johnson spent a good part of his youth playing country songs. Since his family was religious, his first real music lesson was in a church choir. He was 10 when he began strumming his guitar and received finger-picking lessons from his Uncle Bobby with Alabama’s “My Home’s in Alabama.” Three years later, Johnson added brass to his repertoire and joined his junior high school band.
2. He’s been listening to the songs of Hank Williams Sr. for as long as he can remember.
Johnson admits to playing the songs of Hank Williams Sr. on the loop, at home and on the radio. He even confessed to going to William Sr.’s grave to somewhat drunkenly sing the old ballads with his friends.
3. His early and strong musical influence is from the country band Alabama.
In fact, the first concert he ever attended was one of Alabama‘s renowned June Jams in the early 1990s. He was only in high school then.
4. He planned to major in music education.
After high school, Johnson attended Jacksonville State University under a scholarship program. However, he eventually realized that teaching wasn’t his passion – so he quit college after two years.
5. He worked odd jobs in Montgomery after he was discharged from the Marines.
This includes working at a sign company and an industrial water-pipe company, which he said were all great experiences where he learned something and became grounded in the community – inspiring some of Jamey Johnson songs. He also made a living via demos that became hits for other artists, such as Trace Adkins’ “Songs About Me.”
6. He’s previously a married man.
Though not much has been known about his then-wife, Amy, the pair has been blessed with a daughter named Kylee.
7. He suffered a concussion that has negatively affected his ability to work.
In 2010, Johnson got a concussion after he slipped on some ice coming out of the studio and hit his head pretty hard. His doctor said his brain had been locked in a hyper-vigilant state since then – which has greatly affected his focus on songwriting.
8. He wrote songs for fellow country stars.
After a run of hardships, Johnson went into a period of isolation, supporting himself by writing hits for other country stars. This includes Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and George Strait’s “Give It Away” – which did not only become another country No. 1 hit for Strait but also took home Song of the Year at the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Awards.
We definitely can’t wait to see what Jamey Johnson will be able to accomplish in the future.
