Jay Owens (musician) facts for kids

Jay Owens was a talented American musician. He was a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He played electric blues and soul blues music. Jay Owens was born on September 6, 1947, and passed away on November 26, 2005. He was blind.

His Early Life and Music Journey

Jay Owens, whose full name was Isaac Jerome Owens, was born in Lake City, Florida. His mother was a church minister. This is where Jay first learned to sing. His uncle helped him discover and love blues music. Jay got his first guitar and started playing music professionally. He was still in high school at the time.

Playing with Other Musicians

In the 1970s and 1980s, Jay Owens played with his friend, Johnny Kay. They led many bands together. These bands performed in the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg areas of Florida. Jay Owens also supported many famous musicians. He played alongside artists like Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and Little Milton.

His Solo Albums

In 1993, Jay Owens released his first solo album. It was called The Blues Soul of Jay Owens. Mike Vernon helped produce this album. It was released by Atlantic Records. The album won awards from Living Blues magazine. It was named 'Best Blues Album' and 'Best Debut Album'.

In 1995, Jay Owens released another album. This one was called Movin' On. It was released by East West Records. Mike Vernon also worked on this album.

A Talented Songwriter

Jay Owens was also a very good songwriter. Many other artists recorded songs that he wrote. For example, Jim Leverton recorded his song "Only Human." James Booker recorded "1-2-3" and "One Hell of a Nerve."

Later Life

After living in New York City for twenty years, Jay Owens moved. In 1997, he moved to Orlando, Florida. Jay Owens passed away in Orlando in November 2005. He was 58 years old.

Discography

See also

• List of electric blues musicians
• List of soul-blues musicians