Jamey Johnson earns respect, acclaim of country music's elite
BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Thursday, February 21, 2013
2/21/13 at 6:39 AM
Country strummer Jamey Johnson is a relative newcomer to the country scene whose first single, the heart-wrenching "The Dollar," was released in 2005. He's quickly developed into a music-lover's musician who's earned the near-rabid respect of his peers and fans alike.
His live performances are as passionate as his fans are loyal. Critics love him, too. He's been nominated for a bushel basket of Grammy awards since 2007, his most recent a 2013 Grammy nomination for his album "Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran." It features performances from Tulsa Sound icon Leon Russell and Okie star Vince Gill, as well as Ray Price, George Strait, Elvis Costello, Bobby Bare, Asleep at the Wheel, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson.
His latest solo outing was the double album "The Guitar Song," released to critical acclaim in 2011. The album and its single, "Macon," both earned Grammy nominations that year, as did his performance with Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert in "Bad Angel."
He writes not just for himself but for his colleagues: Johnson's co-written singles for Trace Adkins, George Strait, James Otto, Joe Nichols and Jessie James. His own thought-provoking hits, "High Cost of Living" and "In Color," sit next to outlandish "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," which he co-wrote. It was a hit for Adkins.
In 2006, Strait had a No. 1 hit with "Give It Away," co-written by Johnson, Bill Anderson and Buddy Cannon. Johnson helped Adkins earn his first No. 1 hit in 10 years in 2007 with "Ladies Love Country Boys." He also co-wrote Nichols' top 20 hit, "Another Side of You."
He admits he's heavily influenced by rebel country greats Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams.
Johnson may just be the next truly great rebel of country music.
Johnson performs 7 p.m. Thursday at Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main St. Chris Hennessee will open. The show is all ages. Tickets are $27, plus fees, available at the box office, by calling 877-4-FLYTIX or by visiting tulsaworld.com/cains or tulsaworld.com/ticketfly
Original Print Headline: Jamey Johnson earns respect, acclaim
Jennifer Chancellor 918-581-8346
jennifer.chancellor@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Jamey Johnson returns Thursday night for a concert at the historic Cain's Ballroom. Tulsa World file
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