Music changes Milan man's life
Jamie Johnson performs with Dolly Parton
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

A decision to pick up and move from Milan to Nashville, TN, has landed Jamie Johnson it all - a music career, performances with well known artists, getting his own band, and meeting the love of his life.

Johnson tributes his love of traditional country and bluegrass music to his brother Brad. "Brad died in 1991 from an accident and after that I asked my mom if I could take some of his records and put them on tape," Johnson told The Versailles Republican in a recent telephone interview.

After graduating from Milan High School in 1990, Johnson was in college pursuing an engineering degree when the tragedy struck. Listening to the music made him feel close to someone he loved and Johnson found out he actually enjoyed it.

Local talent Tony Holt from Milan heard Johnson and recognized his talent. "He taught me to sing harmony," Johnson recalled.

Johnson traveled with The Boys From Indiana, getting his feet wet in the music industry.

"I found out I was more musical than I thought," he laughed, adding he doesn't feel like he's an accomplished instrumentalist, although he can play.

Johnson said he had never really thought about singing before. Now, it was fast becoming a part of his life.

Leaving The Boys From Indiana to perform in a local band called Blackwood Ridge, the music bug had bitten Johnson, and hard. They were good and won contests at the Taste of Cincinnati. Another Milan boy was in the group - Ryan Bruns.

At 25 years of age, Johnson took the biggest step of his life and moved to Nashville, TN.

"My friend Terry Eldredge encouraged me to follow my dream," Johnson noted and his dream has led him to a life of fulfillment through music.

Johnson said he landed some deals singing on demos and one thing led to another. He then played on the Grand Old Opry for the first time with Gail Davies.

Then Johnson became part of a group known as The Sidemen. Their name was indicative of their presentation - they played for the bigger bands on the sidelines.

But Johnson said they performed at a place called The Station Inn, where they were not on the side - they were the main dish.

Then in 2004 the group Johnson is with today, The Grascals, was formed.

Comprised of Johnson, David Talbot, Danny Roberts, Jimmy Mattingly, Terry Smith and Terry Eldredge, this new sound took the country music world by storm.

They recorded "Viva Las Vegas" and were featured in a full page spread in the January 17, edition of Country Weekly.

Johnson describes the group as "traditional bluegrass and traditional country." He told the magazine, "we want to take the excitement of bluegrass and get it to other audiences, just like Alison Krauss has done, and The Osborne Brothers did in the '70's."

The Grascals got a big break when they were recording one day and the engineer in the studio told Dolly Parton "you should listen to these guys." She did and they have been with her ever since.

"She is absolutely fantastic," Johnson noted after coming off a fall tour opening for the big star every night. The 45-city tour featured Dolly's hits and gave The Grascals more exposure than they could have ever hoped for. They not only opened for her, but played behind her as the core of her band.

The Grascals has many accomplishments for such a new group and their talent is being heard across the nation. Jimmy Mattingly, who plays the fiddle for the group, has performed with Garth Brooks and was in the famous Dr. Pepper commercial.

The Grascals self-titled album will be released nationally on February 8, and will be sold in Wal Mart and Target stores.

The group's current single "Viva Las Vegas" debuted #3 in billboards top 40 country single sales chart. It
has remained in the top 10 for the last eight weeks.

On February 5, The Grascals will debut on the Grand Old Opry GAC (Great American Country) TV performance. They will be performing two songs with Dolly Parton.

Then on February 13, those in Ripley County are in for a real treat - this group will be giving a performance at the Milan VFW. According to Johnson, those interested in attending can call the VFW for ticket information.

Johnson noted that their group will be featured again in the February 14, issue of Country Weekly. He will also be singing on Ricky Van Shelton's new album to be released this year.

Johnson resides in Nashville, TN, with his singer-song writer wife, Susanne Mumpower. She is currently working with famed producer Buddy Cannon. He produces country stars such as Kenny Chesney and Reba McEntire.

Paul and Gail Johnson of Milan are Johnson's parents and they are proud of him.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jamie Johnson, left, performs with famous country singer, Dolly Parton.

 

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