BIOGRAPHY
JAMIE LEE THURSTON
The "Quadfecta" of Music
Music isn’t a pastime for Jamie Lee Thurston—it’s the only thing. A powerhouse on stage, he doesn’t just perform; he commands, pulling in every ounce of energy like a red giant burning at full force.
In his words, “I’m more comfortable on stage, than off.” It’s the kind of presence that only comes from years of honing his craft in countless bars, honky-tonks, concerts, and festivals. During his shows, you’ll quickly discover a powerful and unique singer, accomplished guitar player, and a guy that can flat out entertain. When you’re doing something you love, there’s no faking it. In fact, there’s one word that keeps coming up time and again, from people who have either met him, or attended his shows . . . AUTHENTIC.
Thurston stands out as one of those rare performers that is not only an entertainer and a vocalist, he’s also a songwriter, instrumentalist, and a producer that plays on his recordings as well. While he’s great at any one at any given time, to see him achieve them all at once, live from the stage, is a truly memorable experience.
With all entertainers, the music an artist creates is directly related to their influences, and Thurston’s love of Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Merle Haggard, Jerry Reed, and AC/DC, to name a few, comes through in his songs and performances. He’s a natural born honky-tonker, and his electrifying licks on guitar shows that he can rock with the best of them.
Nine studio albums later, Thurston’s story is a parable of endurance and a triumph over adversity. His dedication to his craft and his natural born gift of entertaining, thrills the newest of fans, and continues to captivate those who’ve carried him the whole ride. But, as with most star-crossed success stories, it didn’t happen overnight.
In fact, he’s spent more of his life performing on stage than not, a fact that most people don’t know.
Thurston grew up with a milk bottle in one hand, and a microphone in the other, making his debut with his father’s band when he was just 3 years old. By age 12, he had learned to play guitar and drums. Three years later he became a roadie for his dad’s band, learning what it took to set up the lights, sound, and stage, for a real show. By age 17, he was in that show, on the road full time, playing guitar and honing his craft.
Anyone can imagine, then, after more than 30 years on the road, that he’s amassed some stories. And boy, has he ever. Fans of Thurston’s, otherwise known as The Thursties, live for
the story time parts of his sets because this is a man that has seen more than most and lived to sing about it.
His talent has taken him through the Nashville music industry where he signed a record contract with Warner Bros. and an EMI music publishing deal,. He’s had songs recorded by Montgomery Gentry, Chris Cagle, and Trace Adkins, and the Rodney Atkins Top 20 fan favorite, “15 Minutes.” He’s shared stages with country music’s greatest talents, such as Jason Aldean, the Dixie Chicks, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, Billy Currington, John Anderson and Charlie Daniels, to name just a few.
One of Thurston’s deepest passions is helping veterans. His song “Ghosts In His Eyes” came from a conversation he had with a friend that served in Iraq. “It was before people knew
much about PTSD and TBI” said Thurston. “My friend said,” “once you see something, you can’t unsee it.” That phrase led to a song that has been an inspiration to many, and has been one of his greatest accomplishments. He’s been all over the country raising awareness for suicide, PTSD and TBI and is currently doing a series with Heritage Automotive Group on Veterans, and the challenges they face coming home. Purple Hearts reunited will be the first installment in this series, due out soon!
He continues to burn up the road, and he’s enjoying his recent entry into Europe and the UK, crossing the pond at every opportunity.
He’ll keep fighting the good fight to play that solid, high-quality country and straight-up rock ‘n’ roll for the people who most want to hear it. And he’ll wield his Les Paul Gold Top as his weapon.
