Jamey Johnson

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• Genre: New Traditional
• Hometown: Montgomery
• Jamey Johnson Website

About

Jamey Johnson grew up in a strict religious household, so it came as a surprise to his parents when he started playing music at an early age. By junior high, Johnson was adept at playing a variety of instruments and had music theory down pat. After an eight-year stint in the U.S. Marine Reserves, Johnson moved to Nashville to concentrate on music. Although he had a variety of day jobs, Johnson played music at night and eventually made contact with a circle of friends who got him "regular" work singing on their demos. Eventually Johnson signed to BNA and in early 2006 released his debut, The Book. With a hit single ("The Dollar") under his belt, Johnson hit the road -- and partied hard. Things started to unravel, first when his wife divorced him and then further when his record label dropped him. Lost and in shock, Johnson cut himself off from friends and family and became a recluse, writing smash hits for George Strait ("Give It Away") and Trace Adkins ("Honky Tonk Badonkadonk") to pass the time. In 2008, Johnson returned to the spotlight with the release of his sophomore effort, That Lonesome Song, a battered collection of songs dealing with loss, growing pains and regret.

- Linda Ryan