I have been fortunate. My Mother Sang on the Lawrence Welk Radio Show when she was 12 years old in the early 1940's. She taught me showmanship and professionalism. She also gave an appreciation for a WIDE RANGE of music. She would be my first greatest influence in music.

I won't go in depth here about the Music scholarships I have been awarded, just let me say that they afforded me the opportunity to be Greatly influenced by Classical, (Bach, Mozart, etc.) Jazz Greats Like "The Dorsey Bros." " Glenn Miller, "(no Relation) Etc.

The mid (60's) gave me "The Beatle's." Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Dylan, Kingston Trio, Beach Boys, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Etc.

Late 60's, early 70's. I had four teachers, two in band, one in voice. And one in music theory. You wouldn't know them. But they supported and influeced me. Also James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, Carley Simon, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Kris Kristofferson and many others. There was this "old, old man" that lived in a Broken down Garage, with a sign that just said, "ALL KIND OF SAWS  SHARPEND", He had 3 fingers on his left hand, and 2 on his right,his garage smelled really bad, and so did he, but everyone for miles around brought tools for him to fix, he was the best. with just 5 fingers total he taught how to play "House of The Rising Sun." on my first guitar.

1969, I began singing in Coffee Houses, There were so many great artists, Mother Bear Sang "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthry in it's Intirenty. ... MICK Gockenhower, sang "MOODY BLUES" Songs on Acoustic Guitar as if He Wrote them. I could go on and on. John Prine and the "Earl of Old Town". Not to mention Steve Goodman.

Then one day "Mother Bear " turned me on to "MICKEY NEWBURY". I was 16 years old, That was IT for me. I dedicated the next 20 years of my life to try to Perform  music they would never ever find any where else.

I have a few other influences in my music, but MICKEY NEWBURY is My GREATEST Influence.

I have met almost all of my idols.

I never got the opportunity to meet Mickey Newbury.

When I was 44 and a half, I was diagnosed with Terminal cancer.

On my 45th Birthday my phone rang, I picked up the phone, a week raspy voice said, " Jeff, this is Mickey Newbury." You Ok  Buddy ? '" Debbie Jensen Found a way to reach my Greatest Musical Hero !!!"  MICKEY NEWBURY CALLED ME FROM HIS DEATH BED AND TOLD ME WHAT TO EXPECT!!

I don't think I can explain to you how much this meant to me.

Mickey Newbury Lived long enough to record one last GREAT CD from his Death bed." THE LONG ROAD HOME," Then he Died. On his 60 birthday.

If Debbie and I seem to be obsessed with writting songs about comforting people about death,

it isn't beause we expect all of them to be right, we are just trying to write the right one.

Some people that hear Mickey Newbury's music think that his fans are Manic Depressive.

At Mickey's final Concert, it was one of his biggest fan's, who's wife was quoted as saying,...

( You are all Manic Depressive !!! )

Mickey Newbuy replied , " I Remember her,...She was the only one that wasn't smiling !"

I'm sure you all have a story of your own.

I'm no Mickey Newbury, I don't expect I ever will be. but I wish I could submit one of his greatest songs and watch you all cut it to pieces as if you could ever come close to being that honest. That said , i really do love you all. Possitive Dreams ....Jeff

P.S.

It's True, I'm A Fool And Dreamer

But I just may be fool enough to see one Dream come true !