When and where are you playing during CMA Music Fest?
Tin Roof Broadway, 8 p.m. on June 4.
Piranha’s, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 6.
When did you start singing? I began at age 14 playing and singing in a polka/square dance band in Chicagoland. Have played trumpet since third grade. When I was 14, I learned banjo and was invited to perform with “Larry’s Pepatones” a local band that really treated me like family. I began singing in high school variety bands the next year and have been performing ever since!
Who are your musical influences?When it comes to writing, I am influenced by Hank Williams. His songs all told a story and touched many people. Even though he was gone before I was born, I used to listen on my father’s records all the time.
Performing and entertaining wise? Well, there are so many. If I had to narrow down to one or two, Chris Ledoux and Garth brooks are some of my favorite entertainers. I believe we touch others with our music and our performance. When someone comes to my show, I am the host of the party. If I am not having fun, the guests at the party won’t. Who wants that? So, no matter what is going on anywhere else in my world, when I step on that stage the PARTY IS ON!
What is my favorite concert you have attended and what made it memorable?Garth Brooks the first time! Just the sheer energy coming from the stage! However, I was lucky enough to catch Panic at the Disco in January here in Nashville!! WOW what a show!! Brendon Urie and his gang provided a two hour nonstop entertaining show with so much energy and soul in each song! Truly a great experience. Brendon was on point all night a Great entertainer!
What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it? Any stage I’m on! I just love performing and entertaining folks. Touching them with my music and seeing that they enjoy what we do is just an awesome feeling! If I had to pick one, it would be performing for our US Service Members. Bringing them a slice of home for what little time I can! I was in the Army and really appreciated every artist that brought their show to us!
Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer?My Mother and Father. Our family was full of music. Be it on long road trips and Mom and Dad singing along with the radio, Saturday night square dances, or nights at home with Dad playing records, we were always encouraged to sing, dance an just enjoy the music.
What was the first song you ever wrote? Wow many years ago, a song called “Without a Fight.” A song about love, and never giving up on that love. “I never gave up without a fight, I held you in my arms one last time.” This song was one of the first songs I ever recorded.
What is your favorite original song? What was the inspiration behind it? I have one called “You’re My Hook.” About the love you always come back to. That one you cannot get out of your head. She is your hook. Obviously about a woman, she actually gave me that line so she gets some songwriter credit. We are going in studio soon to record it!
Where can people listen to your music before CMA Music Fest?
http://www.Iheartradio/com/artist/jimmyhenrich
Amazon, Itunes, and on Youtube. Our website has links as well. www.jimmyhenrich.com
Stop by for live videos on our Facebook @ www.facebook.com/jimmyhenrichmusic. Our Instagram has short live performance at times too. @jimmyhenrichmuzik.
What song influences and keeps the love for music alive for you?