He was a Session Musician primarily playing electric guitar- his Blue Tele.
JT started playing live shows very young with his Dad, Jerry at the American Legion. Starting in 1975 he played every venue possible: Moose Lodge, Nightclubs, Beer joints, etc, and not to mention all the basements and garages. In 1977, he started a band “Hazariah” with friends and had recently joined back up with them to record new music.
In March 1982, he moved to Nashville to play guitar with Jean Shepard and played the Grand Ole Opry on his first night. He worked with Jean Shepard for 1 ½ years playing mostly Grand Ole Opry and dates on the road.
In 1983, he landed a job with Joe Stampley and worked with him for 7 years doing road dates and occasionally with Moe Bandy as “Moe and Joe” plus some television and albums too.
During this time, he also was in a band called “The Fantastic Blue Tick Hounds” featuring David Lee Murphy. He played with David throughout the mid 80’s and from time to time.
In 1990, JT left the road to pursue full time session work. It was like starting his career all over, playing every writer night, showcase club, casual gig, beer joint and dive bar he could find on top of all the session work as well.
In 1992, he helped form a band called “Palomino Road” with Capitol/Liberty Records. They made one album and went on the road for over a year.
After this, JT decided to focus on session work and beginning in 1994 started to get master record calls. He had the honor to record with many major country and pop/rock artists too many to name. He loved every minute of every session he was blessed to play on.
JT was nominated 13 times for ACM Guitarist of The Year and winning this award in 2012. He was extremely honored to be nominated and win. He has been included consistently with Music Row Magazine’s Top 5 Guitarist. He recently was inducted into the Wabash Valley Musician’s Hall of Fame in his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana. And just last year played a symphony event in Terre Haute. His talent was endless.
JT was one of the American recording industry’s best improvisational guitarists and will be deeply missed by all his family, friends and everyone with whom he played and recorded.
All the songs he played on will be a tribute to this amazing man who touched so many lives.
JT loved his son Jacob more than anything and taught him to play guitar at an early age. They loved spending time together each week, especially loved watching “King of the Hill”, “Bob’s Burgers” and “Tales from the Tour Bus”.
JT loved to travel and enjoyed his California, Mexico and Italy trips. He enjoyed visiting his friends and family in Indiana and especially enjoyed spending time at Panama City Beach- his Happy Place! Spending most of his time during the pandemic at the beach, he recently started writing songs again in collaboration with Annabeth.
He was the inspiration for the song “Live like you were dying” and he did live life to the fullest!
Due the Corona Virus Pandemic, JT will be honored in two Celebration of Life Service's. The first service will be at 3pm and second at 5pm on Friday, October 30, 2020 in Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton's Dignity Hall. Due to Covid capacity limitations, both services will seat up to 80 people.
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