A line from one of Chris Janson’s songs says a lot about his style: “What’s wrong with rockers driving pick-ups -- Johnny Cash was wearing black before Sid Vicious.”
That ability to blend two seemingly opposite worlds is at the heart of Chris’s unique sound, which combines rockabilly blues with hard rock themes and a driving guitar. The dichotomy also represents in many ways Chris himself – part small town country boy, part sophisticated showman, an old soul with a young man’s view of the world.
At just ten years old, Chris started playing guitar when his grandpa, Jay Bowling, taught him three chords -- and he took it from there. With that small foundation he quickly taught himself to play, and has never looked back. "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by the Georgia Satellites was the first song he mastered, a somewhat mature subject matter for the precocious boy who always seemed a bit ahead of himself.
Born in Perryville, Missouri, Chris grew up an only child, which may explain why he was drawn to music and performing at such an early age. Perryville was a small farming community, and Chris’s family was typical of the town – not rich, not poor, just middle of the road. Chris pursued a variety of jobs throughout his childhood and teenage years to make extra money, from working at a sno cone shack to training horses and even teaching at a veterinary clinic. On the side he played music, performing in bars from the age of 11. He chose Nashville over college, even though he had been offered a full scholarship, and after spending three nights sleeping in his car, he landed a gig at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. After his first performance, the management of the legendary night spot was hooked, and Chris continued to play Tootsies seven days a week, four shows a day for the next year. He was noticed by movie director, Jonathan Demme, who offered him a small part in the film "Heart of Gold" with Neil Young. His shows at Tootsies were soon frequented by celebrities, including Guns and Roses, Rob Reiner, Neil Young, and many others.
Chris is a virtuoso, a singer and instrumentalist who has mastered the guitar, harmonica, bass, banjo, piano, mandolin, drums, and dobro. He is also a gifted songwriter, with five songs recorded by other artists to his credit, including Holly Williams and Andy Gibson. He wrote and recorded the theme song for the Outdoor Channel television show "Hunting the Country with Mossy Oak". He also has his own show with Mossy Oak, entitled "Mossy Oak's Hunting the Country with Chris Janson". Chris has written with Rodney Crowell, and Duff McKagan, among others.
Since 2005, Chris has toured the United States with such stars as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams, Jr., Shooter Jennings, and Sugarland, and has toured Europe as the lead singer in the near-cult “Moonshine” sessions. He has shared the stage with Rodney Crowell, Velvet Revolver, Emilou Harris, Trace Adkins, Lonestar, Hank Williams, Jr., and a host of other performers that span several musical genres.
Chris credits a wide variety of artists as the source of his inspiration, individuals as diverse in their styles as Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings to the Rolling Stones and Black Crowes.
His love of music is as boundless as his energy, a modern-day Bob Dylan with a rockin’ guitar. And wait until you hear him on the harmonica.
Hey Chris - Thanks for the friendship! Music links us all together.
There are wars taking place in every country in the world. Some are
just more obvious. Check out my new video "Simpler Time". Reach out
and make a difference and the ripple will be felt around the world. It
has to come from within each of us. The alternative is unacceptable.
Music can make a difference. Keep reaching out.
Please play and share "Silhouette". It was written for my step-mom who recently died of cancer at age 59. I have entered a contest with this song and I need you to post this tape player on any and every website you can think of. If you don't see a tape player app here for "Silhouette", please visit the site. Also, let me know what you think of my new tunes. Thanks, -Jawz
Stoppin by to say...pilamiya for the friendship, and the positive vibes. Wishin you a wonderful week! much luv and respect, your sisters on the four winds tour
Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane.To those who don't know me, I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio. Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! new videos too! Ruby Jane
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