Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
I love the blues. I remember the first time I watched Stevie Ray Vaughan play on VH1 (back in the 90’s). Up until that point I was a metal head/grunge kid that loved all things heavy. SRV’s version of VooDoo Chile blew my mind and was a sort of baptism into the blues world. Jesus Food is a long awaited effort at writing and producing my own stuff. Being a child of the 80’s and 90’s made music production unreachable (also, being broke ha!). I’m glad to finally be able to share my music with whomever will listen! Even if it’s only my wife and kids! These six songs come from the heart and places along life’s road. I hope they resonate with others!
When did you start performing?
I’ve been a church musician since I was a child singing in kid’s choir. My grandfather was a major influence personally and musically…I learned so much from him. Throughout the years I’ve played and sang in various ways but primarily in church as a worship leader. This Jo Hiram thing is very new…maybe one day I’ll do a live gig! Thanks to those who helped create this album: Sophia Davis (Vocals), Lillian Davis (Vocals), Brad Parker (Drums), David Joseph Renfro (Drums), and Paige Garwood (Bass)!
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
Growing up as a military dependent this question has always been haunting. I have finally landed on an answer to the question “Where are you from” and that is, “I’m from the military”. The expat life has afforded me a great deal of opportunity to see the world which I’m grateful for! It also has come with an “itch” to keep moving…this feeling was the inspiration behind “Leaving Blues”. My family and I have finally managed to settle down in Houston, TX!
What performers have been your inspiration?
As stated before, SRV is my guitar hero! I also have loved other greats like: Albert King, Bonamassa, Phil Keaggy, Hendrix…etc.
What do you base your success on?
Just the love of doing this. Whatever success means can be different depending on who you ask. For me success means simply loving the process of creating and “finishing” a song or project. To date my record has made me a whopping $9. To most that would not equate success haha. Last night my wife, daughter and I listened to the record. My daughter said that “Roadway Blues” was her fav…my wife loves “Be Near Me”…that works for me as it relates to success!
What was your latest musical release?
I released Jesus Food in March of 2023. The album is a variety of blues songs that have come to me throughout the years for various reasons. Jesus Food is inspired by my late Grandfather Ronnie Taylor. Who introduced me to good blues and classic rock. He blew my mind as a kid when he recorded himself playing “Ghost Riders in the Sky” on a cassette tape and mailed it to my military family living in Germany. That was the 80’s so there wasn’t much we could do to keep in touch with each other. Recording and mailing a tape let us hear our loved one’s voices from across the sea.
Do you have any news to share?
Just that I would love for you guys to enjoy my latest record!
How can fans find you?
A good spot is here: johiram.hearnow.com/jesus-food
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Thx for listening and giving me the chance to post my thoughts and music here! I love self produced musicians and am proud to be one!