JIMI GEE Singer, Songwriter and Musician...
Jimi Gee is one of the most prolific singers, songwriters and musicians to emerge from this region.
His musical style is very original, as well as commercial. Jimi has been involved in music since he was a small child growing up in Milton Florida. It was in those early years that he began learning to play guitar.
During his teenage years into young adulthood Jimi continued to refine his musical abilities—developing his vocal talent as a singer, becoming an accomplished guitar player and learning to write his own songs.
He also began performing with local bands—later forming his own band which became quite popular in the area.
Desiring to introduce his music and talent to larger audiences, Jimi moved to Atlanta Georgia to continue his music career. He played in several notable regional bands in Atlanta and began to meet other singer/songwriter/musicians that were involved in the greater music industry. At every turn Jimi received nothing but encouragement to continue his musical career and take it to greater heights.
Those around him in the regional music scene began to recognize that there was something very exceptional about this man’s musical talents. He wasn’t just another singer…songwriter…musician. He stood out among his music peers. Jimi continued on with his music endeavors and eventually returned to Pensacola Florida. He had already become an exceptional guitarist and singer, and he believed that the laid back atmosphere of the Gulf Coast would provide him a slower pace—giving him the time to refine his songwriting skills.
His move back to the Pensacola area provided that and much more…and perhaps was the best decision Jimi ever made. It eventually brought him face to face with legendary music producer Larry Butler.
Larry Butler is a two time Grammy award winning producer, songwriter and musician. He is legendary in the Nashville country music scene. Larry is probably most known for bringing the talents of Kenny Rogers into the arena of country music… and of course the rest was amazing music history. He also produced many more of country music’s most successful and enduring artists…including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Bill Anderson…… and many top artists from other music genres… such as Julie Andrews, Sammy Davis, Jr., Don McLean and John Denver.
Larry Butler, who is known to be very direct and totally honest in his assessment of musical hopefuls, believes Jimi Gee truly has the talent to become a major recording artist. Larry explains, “The first time I heard Jimi’s music it just blew me away. I was driving home from the radio station and I put his demo cd in the player. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I had to literally pull over and stop my car.”
From that point on Larry has encouraged Jimi. He describes Jimi’s musical style as country with infusions of pop, blues and rock. A style that Larry believes could take Jimi to the very top of the charts. Remember, this is the same Larry Butler who believed Kenny Rogers could go to the top of the country charts. We know the rest of that story. Likewise, Larry believes in Jimi’s talent and he has agreed to produce Jimi’s first major CD release.
You can check out Jimi Gee for yourself at this years Bayfest Festivities. Jimi will be opening the Bayfest celebrations, first with his jazz trio, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Don Dean on bass, Rich McDonald on drums, Jimi on guitar and guest vocalist Gwen Fogts. Following the trio, Jimi will perform with the Sarasota Gold Big Band, playing all your big band favorites.
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