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When Gary Michael Jones walked into Luckenbach, Texas two years ago no one knew who he was. Six feet two and sporting a cowboy hat and goatee he nervously sat down in the infamous songwriter’s circle. It is here that many famous and soon-to-be famous musical artists in Texas have introduced themselves to the public. It is a place of history, a birthplace of many Texas legends and, for Gary Michael Jones, a good place to resurrect his career.
Soon after their marriage Gary began his journey into the world of bands, musical partnerships, performances and recordings. In short he began paying his dues. In 1980 he teamed up with a brilliant singer/songwriter/musician, Steve Yeargan. They wrote several songs together and were just beginning to perform when Steve was tragically killed. It was an emotional set back but Gary and Mary continued to write and pursue the life of a musical artist. Five years later, Gary was picked up by a publishing company based in Nashville. He was flown to the music city and recorded ten songs with such talents as Riders In The Sky, Tommy Morrell and Craig Chambers. Soon he found himself fronting for such famous artists as Willie Nelson, The Texas Playboys and Floyd Tillman. In 1986 he sang in a songwriters circle with Texas Legend Steve Fromholtz. There he met producer, Rod Kennedy and was invited to perform at the world famous Kerrville Folk Festival at Quiet Valley Ranch. Playing in various bands and remaining just on the edge of musical success began to take its toll on Gary’s family. It was in 1986 after the birth of his 5th son that Gary made the decision to leave the stage and step into the full-time roll of “Dad”. To many that decision seemed a big mistake and bit self-destructive but, Gary followed his conscience. It was a decision he does not regret. “It was not wasted time,” says Gary. “Mary and I continued to write and perfect the craft of songwriting. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t do it any different. I love being Dad as much as I love music and songwriting.”
If you’re in the market for some good original Texas music, check out the talents of Gary Michael Jones and Levi Darr. You’ll be glad you did!! To find out more about the music of Jones & Darr click here or go to the Jones & Darr tab.
To contact Gary or Mary for NON-Business Purposes use the following emails.
All Business Related information should be sent to Happy Hollow Music Services: “….. I give his music a big Texas star!” Doc Tolar, Wimberly, TX.
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“Clara May” and “Miss Virginia”. True talent can stand the test of time and
thirty years later these songs still delight audiences and show no sign of
being outdated.
This brings our story up to date and once more Gary’s career is on a fast
track. Recently he has teamed up with Levi Darr, a gifted
musician/singer/songwriter that he met in that infamous Luckenbach
songwriter circle. “I have never heard anyone play quite like Levi,” says
Gary. “I know there are all kinds of talented lead guitarist out there but,
for some reason, Levi’s style just fits our music to a T.” The statement is
true and anyone who has seen them perform live will agree. It’s very rare
to find entertainers who can hold an audience for three hours while playing
original songs but, Gary and Levi are doing just that. As their fan base is
growing so are their opportunities. Currently they are in the studio
working on a soon to be released CD of 10 original songs produced by Texas
great, Ben B. Beckendorf and they have signed on with the Texas based
management team of Happy Hollow Music Services.