Today we’d like to introduce you to Smokey Jones
Smokey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve toured independently in numerous bands for years, but I started this project 8 years ago in 2017. At the time, country was not trending like it seems to be now and it was almost impossible to even get booked at the lowest level venues. The band went through a few different lineups as we played grinding gigs at local dives and biker bars in the greater Atlanta area. It took a long time, but through traveling and relentlessly performing we began to build a base and network of venues where the band is a good fit. Over time, meaning a number of years, that grew into performing at colleges all over the nation, opening for numerous country music icons, playing for NASCAR, Atlanta Oysterfest, and many other great opportunities the band has been afforded. It really has already gotten bigger than I ever would have imagined, so we keep raising the bar to see what we can achieve. I love this band and I love country music, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had working in a band.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been the exact opposite of smooth. We have had every challenge imaginable thrown at us over the course of the band. Lineup changes, a revolving door of over 16 bass players (we are like spinal tap but with bass players), numerous industry hurdles, legal problems, shady booking scams, social media got hacked and we had to start over all accounts a couple years ago, equipment failure, blown tires, blown transmission, van wrecks, the list goes on and on. All I can say is we have overcame all obstacles thrown at us, and the core 3 members have stuck together through thick and thin for the full time. Shoutout to Rowdy and Von for always sticking in through the tough times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols is a tride and true American country band that puts on a high energy show consisting of multiple decades of country hits with a twinge of comedy. We uplift and preserve classic country music while pushing it forward with stellar originals all packed into a fun, country dance style show. The band is comprised of a group of world class musicians who pay homage to the legends of yesteryear while staking their own claim in the genre.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I still work a day job. I know, seems crazy doesn’t it?
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://www.smokeyjonesband.com
- Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/therealsmokeyjones
- Facebook: Https://www.facebook.com/therealsmokeyjones
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@smokeyjonesband?si=szWcDve_1cPdU7Sc
- Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/19VlMRCnln0Pr9Vch6A7Te?si=6vG8SEboRXiCX1Yx8ejjww
Image Credits
Self shot- Moneaka Wilson
Group shots – 1-3 – Cody Ingram
Group shot 4 – Xavier Martin
