Sometimes an artist comes along that’s so original we don’t know what to do with them.  Today, we look at  Junior Brown.   The incredibly talented, respected artist and guitar genius has enjoyed very little to zero charting success with Country, but has a great fan base.

People get off the bus everyday in Nashville and have big dreams of stardom, but the reality is, only a tiny handful get to live out the dreams they have.  There is so much talent and so little room, it’s a tough biz.  But he was so original, he found a space, even it it wasn’t next to Keith Urban or Miranda Lambert on the charts.  But I’m confident both are in awe of his guitar prowess, and his originality.

Junior Brown  –  His National Introduction

This is about an insanely talented artist, that because of that raw talent has been able to carve out a good career.  You may have never heard of Junior Brown and I understand that.  He started to become a part of our landscape in the mid 90’s as a very different type of traditionalist.  His throwback singing style with his big baritone voice and very cool image was welcomed by many, and made others stop and take a second look.  But for some, not chart conducive.  Fact is, Junior Brown is among the best guitarists on the entire planet.  He’s a mixture of about every style there is with country being the dominant strain.  Even though he’s been around since the 70’s, his album Junior High in 1995 was three times Grammy nominated for Best Country Album, Vocal Performance and Song, for  My Wife Thinks You’re Dead.  That song also won the  CMA Video Of The Year

CMA Award Winning Video

The next few albums had little charting success but he found a following.  Semi Crazy and Mixed Bag were very well reviewed and are great listening. Brown spends his time touring extensively today with his band that’s led by his wife, Tanya Rae  who also plays guitar.   He invented and built his signature “Guit Steel” guitar so he can play both guitars at the same time without putting one down.   He’s a Texas Legend and is a staple in the Austin Music scene.  He’s been honored by the CMA, The Grammy’s, CBS, and Rolling Stone Magazine.   He played the former Tangier in Akron a number of times.

Semi Crazy – A Terrific Album

Junior Brown is among the most original artists we have ever had.  He’s the kind of guy that gave us a cool balance and vibe that shows some can have great success way outside of the norm.  He is also appealing to those who yearn to be different and find music totally outside the box.  He is well known in the biz, and is respected by all.

Here’s Some Incredible Playing

Junior Brown – About as original as it gets – every single thing about him was original.

A CBS – Feature Story

Guitar Excellence