Nashville recording artist with local roots to headline show in Poplar Bluff

Jamie Teachenor grew up around Fagus, Mo., learning about good music. His dad was a huge influence on him musically and the rest of his family is very musical as well.

"Some of my favorite memories are of family and friends bringing instruments to the house and having huge jam sessions," shared Teachenor. "I remember watching my dad and hoping I would be that good someday."

Jamie's family taught him to be genuine, honest, hard-working and that a man's word and his name mean something.

"There are lots of good examples of people like that around home and I sure hope I can instill those same things in my children."

When Teachenor moved away from home, there were about five things he really wanted to do in his music career -- have a gold record, play the Grand Ole Opry, write a hit single on the radio, play on national television and release an album of his own.

"The good Lord has blessed me with all of those things. My first hit single was 'How Do You Get that Lonely,' by Blaine Larsen, in 2005."

Teachenor went on a national radio tour with Larsen to promote the song and was able to play the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and ABC's "Good Morning America."

"In 2011, Luke Bryan recorded my song, 'What Country Is,' on his 'Doin' My Thing' album which certified gold, and I just finished my debut album, 'The Departure.'"

Jamie has been blessed with many great friends who also are in the music business. The most influential has been Harley Allen, who is one of the "Soggy Bottom Boys" from "O' Brother, Where Art Thou - Man of Constant Sorrow."

Teachenor credits him as one of the most successful Bluegrass recording artists and songwriters of all time and was fortunate enough to see Allen's show on his first night out in Nashville.

"He sang a ton of hit songs he had written and just slayed the audience," Teachenor said.

Teachenor went to talk to him afterwards.

"I remember Kevin Denney saying 'Hey Harley, who is that guy?' and Harley smiled and said, 'He's one of us, brother.'"

After that night, Allen became one of Teachenor's closest friends and even served as the best man in his 2003 wedding to his high school sweetheart, Piggott High School graduate Jen Tabor. The couple has two children, son, Charlie, 5, and daughter, Lily, 3.

Other influential friends include Joe West, who is a hit songwriter/producer, and Rory Feek, a hit songwriter from the duet Joey+Rory.

"They are all great friends who have always been great encouragers," Teachenor said.

Luke Bryan, Jimmy Fortune (of the Statler Brothers), Larsen and Denney also are good friends of his.

"Luke, my ole fishing buddy, is on tour and can't go as often nowadays. I am proud of him," Teachenor said.

Major artists who have recorded songs Teachenor has written include Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, Bryan, Larsen, Denney and Joey + Rory.

Teachenor believes the great songwriters are simply blessed with a gift from the Lord.

"There is really no other way to explain it. Some days I just write about the way I feel. Other days, it's telling a story. I would rather write and sing about raw emotions than something that seems manufactured," he said.

Teachenor is continually inspired by his wife and children, as well as how he grew up. He has written many songs which include memories from this area.

"I like to think back to all of the Texaco gas I wasted cruising around Piggott with my buddies," he laughed. "I still wave at everyone when I drive and I know I'm home when they start waving back."

Teachenor is honest with people wanting to try to get into the music business.

"Evaluate yourself and your abilities, have patience, and practice like crazy. Get out in front of people and play as much as possible," he shared. "Do your research and read everything from album credits to 'Billboard Magazine' and 'Rolling Stone.' Go for it. The only one stopping you is yourself."

Headlining a show at the Rodgers Theater in Poplar Bluff is a milestone event for Teachenor.

"I am excited about this show -- probably more than any other I've done. It is going to be fun to perform for the people who influenced and supported me first."

Teachenor's performance will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 12. The Rodgers Theatre is located at 204 North Broadway Street in Poplar Bluff. Premium seating is $15 and general admission seating is $10. Balcony seating is $5.

Those who want to purchase advanced tickets may visit Hays Grocery Store, The Music Store (573)-785-6194, Myrtle's Place (573) 785-9203 or the Butler County Chamber of Commerce at (573) 785-7761. Persons also may contact Brent Davis at (573) 429-0416 or Kyle Million (573) 718-2045.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.rodgerstheatre.org or jamieteachenor.eventbrite.com.

Artists Teachenor has played shows with include; Jewel, Jimmy Wayne, Emerson Hart, Gary Allan, Brad Paisley, Darryl Worley, Bobby Pinson, Keith Anderson, Joe Nichols, Bryan Simpson, Ronnie Milsap, Jeffrey Steele, Collin Raye, Phil Vasser, Lorrie Morgan, Luke Bryan, Harley Allen, Joey + Rory, Jimmy Fortune and Blaine Larsen, as well as many others.

His songs have been featured in movies, including "One Angry Man" 2010, and "Season Of A Lifetime" 2011. He was featured in the 2011 book release "Chicken Soup For the Soul" Country Music Edition.

Friends and fans may keep up with Teachenor on his website at: www.jamieteachenor.com, www.facebook.com/JamieTeachenor or may follow him on Twitter @jamieteachenor.

In the grand scheme of things, Teachenor would like to be remembered as a singer/songwriter and producer who affected the history of music.

His new album is available on iTunes, Amazon and his website. He is offering a free download to everyone who signs up for his mailing list of his upcoming single "I Never Know" and also "The Departure" digital booklet for the album that includes liner notes, lyrics, photos, album credits and more.