Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Freddie King, JJ Cale, BB King, and Albert King.
Where have you been?
In the late 1960s, I started the band Purple Haze, the first version of The Forney Brothers, with my brother Phillip. Our first gig was playing at a dance for the Rainbow Girls in Bedford, IA. Nobody in the band had a driver’s license, so our mom had to drive us to the gig in the family 1966 Mercury station wagon.
I moved to the West Coast at age 19 and fell in love with the steel guitar. Returned to Missouri in 1973 to reconnect with brothers Phillip and Larry and formed The Forney Brothers Band. I Moved to Nashville during the winter of 1975. At that time, I worked with the Nashville Hardtimers and mainly toured the Southwest with them. Later, I pioneered the live music scene at Norma’s Bar and Grill, which would later be known as Springwater. It’s still a fixture in the Nashville underground singer/songwriter circuit. My brother Phillip joined up with me in 1977 and we fired up The Forney Brothers in Nashville. The band, at this time, included Dave Pomeroy and Rick Hamm, along with the two Forney brothers. I formed Flying Coyote Records Label and released the album The Forney Brothers. In the fall of 1978, I went to work for, and toured with, Charlie Rich, when he had the hit “Keep on Rolling with the Flow.” On one leg of the tour, Hank Williams Jr opened for Charlie Rich and traveled with us.
I went on the road with The Forney Brothers when the tour was done. We backed up various artists through the Joe Taylor Booking Agency, including John Anderson, Freddy Weller, Wilburn Brothers, and many more. My third brother Larry came to Nashville and joined the band in 1980, and we continued touring. I moved back to Missouri in 1982, and in the mid-’80s, members of the Forney brothers went their different directions. I moved to Austin, Texas in 1987 and worked with Teddy and the Tall Tops, and other artists. Also, I released my first solo album, Jerry and the Juke Giants. I moved back to Missouri in 1992 and reconnected with my old friend Bugsy Maugh and the Insects, who I worked with on occasion. We started touring as The Jerry Forney Blues Band around the Midwest in the late 90’s, doing shows with Canned Heat, Magic Slim, and many others. In 1997, I was asked to perform at the first Memphis Bluestock on Beale Street. The event was billed as a showcase of the 50 best blues bands in the world. I have stayed involved in the music business throughout the years and worked to keep the family name in the band. Spending time with my grandchildren, writing, studio work, and performing with the family band have become my passions. The Jerry Forney Blues Band includes Larry and Robbie Forney and Mouse. The Jerry Forney Blues band features mostly original music written by myself and reflects my many influences. I deliver my music in a delta, country vein.
Where can we buy your music?
I am looking forward to releasing my 12th album. Albums can be purchased at Gray’s Truck Stop & Heritage Genetics in Maryville, Missouri, Lanham Music in St. Joseph, Missouri, or message me on Facebook. Jerry Forney’s music can be found on most music apps and sites, including Pandora, Spotify, iHeart, and YouTube. Website: jerryforneyblues.com, FB: Jerry Forney / Forney Nation
What do you consider as your career highlights?
I have been lucky to get the opportunity to play music with Magic Slim, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Rudy Lyle, Ray Flack, Towne Vanzant, and many others.
Where are you going to be playing next?
Castle Bridge, St. Joseph, MO, April 14th
Do you have any final thoughts?
I would like to thank Mark Reinig for all his support throughout the years. His engineering and producing skills have allowed me to spend time in the studio writing and recording songs for myself and others, allowing the Flying Coyote Records label to stay alive worldwide. During my career, I have worked at clubs such as the Palamino Club in LA, Canes Ballroom in Tulsa, many Memphis Tennessee bars, and numerous shows at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. I have recorded at the Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Bradley’s Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Dominics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
