J. C. spent the first 5 years of her life in a 2 bedroom farmhouse that she shared with 10 other people. She will tell you that was some of the happiest times in her life, music permeated the fabric of the family. There were chores to spare, everyone sang, there was always a piano player handy, and guitars were cherished instruments that were off limits to younger cousins. From Kentucky Mountain Music, to Bluegrass, to Gospel, to Blues, J. C. had the beginnings of a great foundation to grow from. At 11 she met the nephew of Lonnie Mack and everything changed, he handed her a recording of Strike Like Lighting and she was hooked! Soon, she met her hero and Lonnie educated her on Bobbie Blue Bland, Koko Taylor, and Z. Z Hill. She learned from Lonnie how to balance and blend music with family, and ,with his support and encouragement, moved to Chicago at 21. Within two months, JC became a regular player at Buddy Guy's Legends. She landed a side man spot with A. C. Reed and earned her place in the scene. Her first Chicago based band, The Buzz, hosted the house jam there for over a year. She has two albums under her belt and is ready to release a third in 2020. Her vocals tell the story of her love for artists like Koko Taylor and Etta James, as well as Loretta Lynn and Hazel Dickens. 2019 will be packed full of great music and great friends. Soul infused roots rock, from the humble and happy beginnings.
