SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY – KERRIE LEPAI JONES “MY FIRST DATE WITH THE BLUES!”

Published on by Jan Sikes

Welcome to another Sunday Spotlight! I am SO excited about the music artist I am turning my blog over to today and I know you are going to enjoy learning about her! Take it away, Kerrie!

For as long as I can remember, there was only one thing I wanted to be when I grew up ― a singer. As a small girl, I remember watching the black-and-white Shirley Temple movies. I just loved them. I would daydream and picture myself doing everything she did. It was always like that for me no matter who I saw singing on the big screen or big stage

Over the years, I would sing at church or in the choir at school, but it was nothing like the experience I had in 1993 when I sang with a live band for the first time.

I was very green, and if I am honest, I really did not know how to sing with a live band. I knew, however, I just had to get on that stage and try. I was living on my own, just down the street from Schooners Blues Bar, in Dallas, Tx. I walked down to the bar during the day, and it was dark and empty except for a few people. I was a bit nervous, but I wanted a job. Two gentlemen were sitting at the bar with a space between them, so I sat down. Little did I know it was Sam Myers and Joe Jonas (both local blues singers).

Sam and Joe

I said to the bartender, “Excuse me, are you hiring? I can work any shift, and I live right down the street?”

Sam, the gentleman to the left of me, said, “Put me on her resume.”

Joe quickly chimed in, “Me too.”

The man behind the bar, Jerry Weber, hired me on the spot. I was so happy. I’m not sure if my feet touched the ground as I skipped all the way home. I started working on a Monday night. It didn’t matter to me that it was an off night; I was just happy to have a job. The band was the Holland K Smith band. I didn’t know much about the blues genre. However, I knew that I absolutely had to get on that stage and sing.

I asked a bartender, “What blues song should I learn so I can join in on the jam?”

He said, “Tore Down.” So, “Tore Down” it was.

I learned the song and when I got my chance to sing it … Well, let me tell you … I was not prepared for the euphoric feeling. It was like I transcended to another planet. I was nervous, but I got up and sang that damn song. I felt the bass drum pounding against the back of my knees. The vibrations from the bass guitar ran from my feet to the top of my head. It was exhilarating. The melodic sounds of the lead guitar pierced my heart in such a way that I knew performing was exactly what I was supposed to be doing. That’s where I found my happy place. Dr. Phil couldn’t compare to the therapeutic feeling I got from singing my heart out.

After that experience, I was hooked. I dove in head-first and tried to learn everything I could about the Blues genre. I learned as many songs as I could, then started my own band.

Fast forward 27 years later, I have raised a child to adulthood, traveled near and far ― Big stages, little stages, it didn’t matter as long as I was singing. I have made a career performing with my husband, legendary bluesman, Andrew Jr.Boy Jones.

Kerrie and Jr. Boy Jones

All of it doesn’t seem that long ago. It’s funny how when you are doing something you love, that happens. Music has nurtured me and saved me over and over again. The blues saved my life. I will have to tell you about it at another time.

I am a full-time musician, and I’m certain that’s what I’ll always be, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.

I am ready to get back to doing what I love, as soon as the world gets healthy, and the pandemic is over.

In the meantime, we are hitting on hard times, as are many of our fellow musicians. But we made a promise to ourselves and make it to you that we WILL keep the Blues alive and well! Also, Jr. Boy and I have a brand new album out Jr. Boy & Kerrie’s Blues.

It can be ordered direct through our website at: https://jonesbluesband.com/

I want to share a bit of our music with you and if you feel so inclined, I’ve listed our Virtual Tip Jars below the videos and would be most grateful for any donations during this Pandemic that has put all of the musicians out of work.

cash app: www.cash.app/$JonesBlues
Venmo: www.venmo.com/Kerrie-Jones-11
Zelle: abjentertainment@yahoo.com
Paypal: http://www.paypal.me/jonesbluesband

You can follow Kerrie & Jr. Boy on FACEBOOK!

Andrew Jr. Boy’s FACEBOOK

Kerrie Lepai Jones’ FACEBOOK

A NOTE TO MY FOLLOWERS! PLEASE SHARE ON FACEBOOK AS THIS MUSIC ARTIST DOES NOT HAVE TWITTER! THANK YOU FOR YOUR AWESOME SUPPORT!

42 thoughts on “SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY – KERRIE LEPAI JONES “MY FIRST DATE WITH THE BLUES!””

  1. What a fabulous intro to Kerrie. An old friend (who introduced me to Blues) asked how I could be southern and not be a blues fan. But I grew up a rock-n-roll kid, and just didn’t get to hear any back then. When I finally sat down and listened, it was love at first note!
    Hugs all around.

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  2. Kerrie, you have a beautiful voice that has magic in it. Electrifying for sure. I’d love to see you perform live if you’re ever in the Amarillo area. You mention you have either a son or daughter. Do they sing too? Good luck to you and your family. These are trying times for all of us for sure. God bless.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, sister. I hope Kerrie will check back in and answer your question, and YES, if they ever come to Amarillo, you would love seeing them in a live show! Love you!

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  3. Kerry and her band are world class Showmen. Kerry’s voice is strong, soulful and pure, while Jun’s guitar is ….Just Jun’s guitar… like no other in the Blues Business. Their performances together are magical and their new album is one that every music lover must add to their collection.

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  7. What a wonderful introduction to a delightful artist and performer. If Gwen Plano is already up dancing, them it’s time we ALL join the party, tap a toe, shake that caboose. I do like me some tasty blues. Thanks for sharing Kerrie’s music with us, Jan. Your Sunday series is already proving a rousing success! Kerrie, best of luck to you in a tough but rewarding space. You have earned some new fans today!

    Liked by 1 person

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    2. Thank you for your awesome comment, Stephen! I agree with you. If Gwen is up dancing, we all need to shake it!! It is my pleasure to share Kerrie’s music with my followers.

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  10. Your music brings love, joy and happiness to all who listen. To see you on stage is an awesome experience. Your story inspires all of us to follow our dreams.

    Liked by 2 people

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  13. Your voice is beautiful! I can relate to your need to sing, not because I enjoy singing but because it’s how I feel about teaching and writing. They just reach into my soul and become therapeutic for me. I enjoyed learning about your humble beginnings and am happy that you followed your dreams. 😊

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