Jim Calhoun

My musical background is very different from Chris' background. I was born into a family that had a few piano players scattered through the generations, but to my knowledge, no professional musicians. My family history is full of music lovers though, so some of my music comes naturally.

I am often asked in interviews who had the greatest influence on my music, what is my favorite song and who is my favorite artist. My answer is sometimes rather complicated.

I am influenced by every person I meet, so allot of my influences were by non performers. My main musical influences would be my father-in-law, John Main (Still is one of my favorite guitar players!) and my brother-in-law Steve Main. Steve has never put together a band that wasn't awe inspiring! These two guys know the ropes, and I learned allot from them. As far as well known musicians, I must list Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Frannie Beecher (The Comets), Stevie Ray Vaughn, Chuck Berry, Brian Setzer, and many others. David Sturgis, a marionette master, also did much to shape my comedy characters.

My biggest influence in a business sense is Earl Nightingale, he was an excellent teacher and I highly recommend his works. I also have been influenced by Dean Short. (Dean Short Talent Service) he is a great businessman!

I was not encouraged to become a musician, in fact, many tried to discourage me at first, then eventually, it became obvious that it was a waste of their time to try to "talk sense into me", and they gave up trying to convert me.

I was first drawn towards music in my grade school years. I attended a small one room country school that included kindergarten through 8th grade. There were seldom more than 12 students total in the entire school in any given school year.

We had allot of fun with music at school, and we gave several school performances throughout the year. I guess this is where I got started. By the time I was in 7th grade, my brother-in-law had sufficiently influenced me to want a guitar. At age 13 I was the proud owner of a 3/4 size steel string guitar. As I look back now, it was a horrible guitar, but as a dumb kid, just starting out, I thought it was the greatest possession that I owned!

By age 14, I had started a small band with friends, and we made the worst music in the history of mankind! By age 15, we were gigging fairly steady, even though the music was pretty rough. At age 16 I had made career goals and started on my musical career. I met Chris at age 17 and we were married within 18 months. It seems that each of us was fortunate enough to find our true "soul mates" and we have been improving together ever since!

Since that time, we have had many different band members, good times and rough times, but through it all, I am very proud of my accomplishments. Over the years, I have performed for huge crowds in concerts as well as done a few lonely 4th sets in a motel lounge where your only audience has a vacuum sweeper in her hand as she takes care of the carpet behind the bar.

I have gotten to perform for former President Ronald Reagan, have been on the front cover of a magazine and have gotten to meet and/or perform with many legends of American entertainment. It has been a good ride so far, and I look forward eagerly to each proceeding day!

Thank you for visiting "The Calhouns" web site!

All My Best!

Jim Calhoun