JENNINGS: Jamey Johnson remains true to his country roots
The first time I saw Jamey Johnson was in the spring of 2009. Back then, I was still writing op-ed pieces for the now-defunct Medina Journal-Register and a few months away from becoming a music reviewer. I was not even a huge fan of country music. Nevertheless, something about Johnson made the evening memorable, even though he only performed three songs as part of a “Guitars and Stars” show.
Johnson brings his “What a View” tour to Artpark’s Mainstage Theater on Tuesday. When Artpark announced the show, I received a call from a friend who was ecstatic he was coming to town. Jamey Johnson was a name I hadn’t expected to hear, and I was pleasantly surprised he would be performing at one of my favorite venues.
It will be a sentimental evening for me. 2009 was a transitional l time in my life, filled with the things that might make a great country song. It was the first year of my second marriage. After years of struggling financially to raise two kids as a single parent while attending college, I landed a full-time teaching job and a music writing gig. I often joked it was my “mid-life crisis” and that I went to college instead of buying a Harley Davidson and traveling across the country when I hit 40 years old.
Back then, there was an abundance of free summer concert series, and my age and background as a mobile disc jockey and classic rock nerd made me the perfect fit to cover annual concerts from Kansas or Eddie Money. I certainly did not have the appreciation for country music I have now.
As I reflect on that first encounter with Jamey Johnson’s music, I don’t think he would become a superstar. Still, I know that he would develop a loyal following. He exceeded my expectations and has become an important and well-respected artist.
One of the things that stands out about Johnson is his authenticity. The song that encapsulates his journey is “Between Jennings and Jones,” which is not just a personal favorite, but a song that resonates with many for its heartfelt storytelling. As a record collector, I can appreciate the alphabetical reference, and any song that includes my last name in the verses and title is going to win points with me.
Of course, the song has nothing to do with me; it does let people know that Johnson is an heir to an important musical legacy. Before there was bro-country or pop country, the genre was defined by artists like Waylon Jennings and George Jones.
While claiming to be the next generation of “outlaw” country performers may seem bold, Johnson has made the case through his songwriting and performing. Where other genres, like classic rock, have struggled to find anyone to pass the torch to, country music has been able to have dual worlds of pop and traditional succeed.
Artists like Johnson are becoming more important as more artists rely on modern technology to enhance live shows. A classic rock artist I spoke to recently noted that I would be “shocked” to learn how much of most shows include pre-recorded elements. While I can’t guarantee Johnson does not use pre-recorded elements in his show, I would be shocked if he did.
So, if you are like me and still appreciate moving lyrics sung with heartfelt emotion and performed by real musicians, you should go see Jamey Johnson. It will be an evening you will never forget.
