Daily Inspiration: Meet John Kennedy

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Kennedy.

Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started playing guitar in the first grade. I would ride the bus downtown, by myself, once a week to take my lessons at the local music store. I began writing songs and performing while attending Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio. I moved to Hollywood, CA after graduating from Ohio University. I wrote songs, played in bands and as a solo acoustic artist, and acted in over 100 film, TV, music videos, and commercial productions while in Hollywood. I moved to Nashville, Tennessee after pitching a song to a Music City song plugger who believed in my song and was sure it was a hit. I landed a job working in the Gibson USA Guitar factory in Nashville to support myself while writing songs and performing in Nashville and throughout Tennessee.

I released a CD in 2017 titled There and Back. The single, Bacon and Eggs, received radio airplay on small market stations from Maine to California. I have done many radio and TV interviews and performances, including The Blue Plate Special on WDVX in Knoxville, TN. I appeared twice on the Nashville Entertainment Weekly TV show, and also on the Midnight Madness TV show. I have performed on stage with hit songwriters, and Grand Ole Opry performers, such as Jerry K. Green (Tripod the Three-Legged Dog). I am a regular performer at Nashville’s famed Commodore Grille. I have also played at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. I continue to write songs to pitch to other artists and perform all around Nashville and the surrounding area.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I moved to Nashville shortly before the economic collapse of 2008. During that time I struggled to find full-time employment while continuing to write songs and pitch those songs to Music Row. There were some lean times for sure, but I persisted, and eventually, I was able to go back to work at Gibson Guitars.

My association with Gibson has provided me with the resources and opportunities to pursue my musical passion, and I am forever grateful for that. in 2010 devastating floods hit Nashville causing Gibson to close for several months. My wife and I moved to Mount Juliet, Tennessee in 2016. A few years ago Mount Juliet and Nashville were struck by a tornado that leveled parts of the city. The people of middle Tennessee pulled together to help each other out and rebuild.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an Americana singer/songwriter. I write blue-collar songs that reflect my experiences growing up in a working-class family, and the struggles that go along with that. I have a deep appreciation for our military and law enforcement. I have many family members, and friends, who have served. I have written songs paying tribute to our veterans and calling attention to the sacrifices they have made.

I have a deep faith that has guided me through my life’s journey. Many of my songs reference that. My performances are high-energy and lively. I have plenty of slow, sad songs, and I like to play them sometimes, but I feel like when people come to a show they want to feel good and be entertained. I enjoy entertaining people and making them smile.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I have been a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, and the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig, has had a profound effect on my life.

I listen to the Unashamed podcast that features some of the Robertsons of Duck Dynasty fame. I also enjoy the podcast The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe.

Pricing:

• There and Back CD, $10 + 3 shipping

Contact Info:

• Website: johnjkennedymusic.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/John-J-Kennedy/100049724232145/
• Other: reverbnation.com/johnjkennedy 

Image Credits
Bets Wilson and Beth Kennedy