Episode 14:
Join Dr. Nick Hayes as he dives deep with musician, father, husband, and long-time Nashville resident Jamie Johnson. Jamie gives us an in-depth look into what it was like battling addiction while on the road with some of Nashville’s most influential musicians. He recalls the moment he know he would lose his family and how his journey to complete restoration. Jamie is authentic and a great story teller, we know you’ll be inspired by this episode and his story!
About Our Guest:
Jamie Johnson is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. A 1990 graduate of Milan High School, Jamie Johnson got his start with a local group called the Wildwood Valley Boys and a traveling band called The Boys from Indiana, for whom he sang tenor. Noted for his good voice and songwriting abilities, Johnson took the leap of faith and moved to Nashville at age twenty-five. After starting out singing for demos, he played at the Grand Ole Opry with Gail Davies. In 2001, he joined a bluegrass band called the Sidemen, which had a regular gig at the famous Station Inn. Fronted by Terry Eldredge, the Sidemen were known for their perfect vocal blend between Eldredge and Johnson. Partly because of that blend, six Nashville musicians – including Johnson and Eldredge – were inspired to form a bluegrass supergroup called the Grascals in 2004. Interestingly, the Grascals gave their debut performance at a small bluegrass festival in Johnson’s hometown of Milan. With the Grascals, Johnson served as the lead guitarist (left-handed), secondary singer, spokesman, and songwriter. At some point, Johnson started singing lead with Grascals; however, he left the group in 2015, but has recently filled in on tours. Coming up on eight years of sobriety, Jamie has become a vocal proponent for addiction therapy using music, and a strong supporter of those undergoing treatment, especially in the music business.
